Palakkad: Following the tragic death of a TTE, accused Rajnikanta Ranajith said that the murder stemmed from a dispute that arose between the duo over a fine. The TTE reportedly demanded a Rs 1000 fine from the accused, a guest worker, for traveling in a reservation coach with a general ticket. The accused said that he didn’t have the money to pay fine. 

Rajnikanta was apprehended by Railway Police at Palakkad Junction Railway Station around 8:30 pm. He was taken away by force as he refused to leave his seat. Being in an inebriated state, the police identified him through his belongings, including an identification card. The accused, who suffered severe burns in the past and had recently injured one leg in an accident. He had difficulty walking too.

Rajnikanta is a cleaning worker at a local hotel in Kunnamkulam, Thrissur. Following the arrest, he underwent a medical examination at Palakkad District Hospital before being transported to Thrissur with police escort at 11.15 pm yesterday.

The incident was witnessed by two guest workers from Odisha, but they were unable to intervene in time. Witness statements have been recorded, with the possibility of further questioning if necessary, as part of the ongoing investigation.