Kozhikode: The Railway Police have zeroed in on three suspects in the incident in which a college student sustained injuries after being hit by a stone thrown at a train near the Vadakumbad underpass in Feroke. Investigators are currently collecting evidence to link these individuals to the crime.

SP Mohammed Nadeemuddin, Chief of the Railway Police in Kerala, is visiting Kozhikode today to review the progress of the investigation. He will meet the investigation team and inspect the site of the incident.

Stone-pelting incidents targeting trains have become increasingly common in northern Kerala, particularly in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Over the past year alone, at least six such incidents have been reported, resulting in injuries to two people. These incidents were reported in areas including Feroke, Panniyankara, Vellayil, Payyoli and Vadakara.

While attacks on trains fall under the jurisdiction of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), injuries to passengers caused by stone-pelting are investigated by the Kerala Railway Police (GRP). Offenders face a punishment of rigorous imprisonment upto five years.

22-year-old Aishwarya Ramakrishnan of Thazhekni House in Eranjoli sustained serious facial injuries after being struck by a stone thrown at the Alappuzha–Kannur Executive Express near Vadakumbad around 9.50 PM on Monday. Stones were also reportedly thrown at a Vande Bharat Express travelling along the same route.

Suresh Gopi visits the injured student
Meanwhile, Union Minister Suresh Gopi visited Aishwarya on Thursday at a private hospital where she had undergone a corrective surgery. Meeting her parents, Ramakrishnan and Rajani, he assured them that every possible measure would be taken to support their daughter and instantly directed the railway authorities to act promptly.

The minister said he would bring the incident to the Railway Ministry’s attention and called for strict legal action against those who engage in stone pelting. He also urged the local residents to help identify and report offenders immediately. The minister was also accompanied by BJP state cell coordinator V K Sajeevan.

Aishwarya sustained severe facial injuries in the accident, including fractures to both her upper and lower jaws, the complete loss of two teeth and damage to several others. The impact also caused her face to droop to one side.Surgeons successfully restored her facial alignment and repaired the damaged teeth. She was discharged on Thursday evening and returned home.