Thalasseri: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) on Friday apprehended two Plus Two students who had forced a moving train to a halt by flashing a red light to film a social media reel. The incident occurred around 2.45 am on Friday near the Kuyyali railway gate.

Immediately after the Ernakulam–Okha Express departed from the Thalassery railway station, the loco pilot noticed a red light being displayed and brought the train to an emergency stop. Acting on alerts raised with the gatekeeper and station master, RPF Sub Inspector K V Manoj Kumar and Head Constable Pradeepan arrived at the scene and apprehended the students with the assistance of pointsman Shijil and gatekeeper Mahesh.

Although the students attempted to flee upon spotting the RPF, their escape attempt was disrupted by a nearby river. The youths, residents of the Panur area, were later released on bail after their parents were summoned to the station.

Cases have been booked under various charges, including trespassing on railway property and endangering the safety of passengers. During an interrogation, the students initially claimed to officers that they were only near the tracks to go fishing.