Kochi RPF arrest man for hurling stones at Alappuzha–Kannur Executive Express

Kochi: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Kochi has arrested a 38-year-old man for allegedly hurling stones and shattering the window panes of the engine cabin of the Alappuzha–Kannur Executive Express. The accused, identified as PK Sanish of Pallichira in Chandiroor near Aroor, was taken into custody after a meticulous investigation. 

​The incident pertaining to the case took place on the evening of August 30, when the train, which had departed from Alappuzha, was near the Aroor Veluthulli railway gate. A stone smashed through the cabin window and landed inside the engine, narrowly missing the locopilot. Though a probe was launched that day, the culprit initially remained unidentified. 

​Amid growing concern over multiple stone-pelting incidents targeting trains, including the Vande Bharat Express, the RPF intensified its crackdown. A special team led by Ernakulam South RPF Inspector Binoy Antony scrutinised footage from over 150 CCTV cameras in and around the site and carried out a discreet intelligence operation in the Aroor area. 

​The investigation gained momentum when Sanish — a repeat offender with prior convictions for assault — was spotted on camera near the location. Once in custody, he confessed to the crime. 

​“Sanish has previously been sentenced to jail in assault cases, but this was his first time throwing stones at a train. The damages he caused amounts to ₹6,000. The accused has been charged with sections 153 (endangering safety of persons travelling by railway by wilful act) and 147 (trespass and refusal to desist from trespass) of the Railways Act,” RPF sources said. 

​The RPF Crime Prevention and Detection Squad — comprising SI KS Manikandan, ASI KS Rajeev, and head constables Anoop Krishnan, Shaji, MV Sunil, Ajay Ghosh, and Joseph — apprehended the suspect. Sanish was produced in court and has been remanded in judicial custody.