In a deeply disturbing incident near Varkala late Sunday, police have arrested Suresh Kumar, a handyman from Thiruvananthapuram, for allegedly pushing a 19-year-old woman, Sreekutty, from a moving train.
Sreekutty sustained severe cranial and thoracic injuries from the fall and is currently fighting for her life at the Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. Health Minister Veena George has promptly established a medical board to oversee her treatment.
This horrific act, which has ignited public outrage, unfolded aboard the Kerala Express as it traveled towards Thiruvananthapuram.
Police investigations reveal that Suresh Kumar boarded the train in Kottayam, returning from a painting job. Authorities noted his prior history of violent and petty offenses, including numerous confrontations with friends and neighbors.
Sreekutty was traveling home from Aluva with her friend, Archana. The incident began when Sreekutty was waiting by the door for Archana, who had briefly left for the toilet. Suresh Kumar aggressively demanded that Sreekutty move out of his way.
The police report indicates that Suresh Kumar then violently kicked Sreekutty in the back, forcing her out of the rapidly moving train.
Court documents further state that the accused subsequently grappled with Archana, attempting to push her off the train as well, seemingly to eliminate any witnesses to his crime.
Archana’s desperate cries for help alerted other passengers, who quickly pulled the emergency alarm chain. The train came to a halt, and responding local police and railway protection force personnel immediately searched the tracks, discovering an unconscious Sreekutty amidst the undergrowth. Archana also suffered injuries during the struggle.
Despite his attempts to flee the scene, passengers managed to detain Suresh Kumar based on Archana’s account. Officials have since recorded statements from three additional witnesses.
The police have classified this as an alcohol-impaired felony, noting that a medical examination confirmed a high blood alcohol concentration in the accused. Investigators suspect he had been secretly consuming alcohol onboard the train.
Southern Railway has described the incident as an isolated occurrence, reaffirming that passenger safety remains its utmost priority. Both the Kerala State Human Rights Commission and the Kerala Women’s Commission have formally acknowledged and begun inquiries into the case.