Kollam: A police FIR registered in connection with the placement of a telephone pole across a railway track in Kundara has been classified as an attempted train derailment (sabotage).

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), along with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and other central agencies, has now joined the probe.

The first occurrence was reported around 1:30 am on Saturday when police removed the obstruction. However, at 3:20 am, just before the Palaruvi Express was scheduled to pass, the pole reappeared on the track. Swift police action prevented a possible disaster.

Arrest of suspects and their claims
Following an extensive review of CCTV footage and mobile tower data, police arrested Rajesh (39) of Elampalloor and Arun (33) of Perumpuzha. Both men, known for their criminal pasts, were taken into custody and later remanded.

During interrogation, the accused claimed they were attempting to break the cast iron of the telephone pole using the train’s impact to sell it as scrap. However, police remain sceptical, as the obstruction was deliberately placed twice. Officials are now examining their phone records, bank transactions, and social media activity to determine if others were involved.

Police and NIA investigation
The investigation, currently led by Kundara police, also involves the Madurai RPF, fingerprint experts, and a dog squad. The Kollam Rural SP, along with cyber forensic teams, is delving deeper into the suspects’ backgrounds. The cut telephone pole has been secured as crucial evidence.

Police have also raided the homes of the accused in search of further clues. Their recent activities, financial transactions, and social circles are under scrutiny to establish whether this was an isolated act of vandalism or part of a larger sabotage attempt.

Both suspects have a history of multiple offences. One has 11 cases against him, while the other faces five, including an attack on former Kundara SI Ambarish. Police confirmed that they were intoxicated at the time of the incident and are investigating potential connections to other criminal networks.

CCTV footage showed the duo riding a scooter near the crime scene two days prior to the incident. A police patrol had previously spotted them in the area but did not detain them. However, upon reviewing CCTV recordings and mobile location data, officers confirmed their presence near the railway track at the time of the incident.