In a disturbing incident that raised serious safety concerns, a grinding stone was discovered deliberately placed on the railway tracks at Pachalam in Ernakulam, Kochi. Authorities suspect this to be a deliberate act of sabotage aimed at disrupting train operations or causing an accident.
Early Morning Discovery Averts Potential Tragedy
The alarming situation came to light in the early hours of the morning. At precisely 4:50 AM, the alert loco pilot of the Mysuru-Kochuveli Express noticed the foreign object on the tracks while passing through the stretch. Acting swiftly, the pilot immediately informed the authorities at the Ernakulam Town railway station.
Following the alert, railway police personnel rushed to the spot. Their investigation confirmed the loco pilot's report. They found a grinding stone strategically placed on a sleeper between the tracks. In a grim discovery, the mutilated carcass of a puppy was also found near the stone. Fortunately, because the stone was not excessively heavy, the bottom part of the speeding train did not make contact with it, thereby averting a major derailment or tragedy.
Railway Police Launch Probe, Cite Anti-Social Elements
The Railway Police have taken the matter with utmost seriousness and have registered a formal case. The case has been filed under Section 154 of the Indian Railways Act, 1989, which deals with endangering the safety of persons travelling by railway through a rash or negligent act or omission.
A senior railway official, commenting on the incident, pointed the finger at anti-social elements operating in the area. "It is an act of anti-social elements in the area. Local people also complain about it," the official stated. He explained that the stone had been dumped near the track some time ago but was light enough to be lifted and placed on the sleeper.
The official revealed that an earlier train had passed the same spot at 4:10 AM, but its pilot did not report any obstruction. This narrows down the window for the malicious act. Officials strongly suspect that the unidentified persons first killed the puppy with the same grinding stone, as blood stains from the puppy, which belonged to a house nearby, were found on it.
Investigation Faces Challenges, Autopsy Conducted
The investigation team is now meticulously examining footage from surveillance cameras installed nearby to identify anyone who approached the tracks during the critical time frame. However, officials admit the probe faces significant hurdles. The presence of multiple byroads leading directly to the railway track makes it difficult to monitor access and egress, providing easy escape routes for the culprits.
In a detailed procedural step, veterinarians also conducted an autopsy on the puppy to ascertain the exact cause and time of death, linking it further to the main incident. The railway authorities have emphasized the need for increased vigilance and community cooperation to prevent such dangerous acts in the future, which put hundreds of passengers' lives at risk.
