Kochi Grapples with Disturbing Spike in Crimes Near Railway Tracks and Overbridges
A series of violent incidents in secluded areas flanking railway tracks and overbridges in Kochi has sparked widespread fear among residents, particularly late-night commuters and working professionals. The city is witnessing an alarming trend of brutal attacks, robberies, and murders in these poorly monitored zones, raising urgent concerns about public safety.
Recent Incidents Highlight the Severity of the Crisis
In a shocking case on March 15, a 23-year-old woman was robbed, brutally assaulted, and sexually assaulted near a railway overbridge close to HMT Junction in Kalamassery. This attack has intensified anxieties, as the location is frequently used by students and working women to access hostels and residences. Anjaly S, a working woman from Kalamassery, highlighted the lack of lighting in the area, warning that similar attacks could recur at any time.
Earlier, on February 24, a 45-year-old woman was beaten to death under the Vyttila railway overbridge, with her body placed on the tracks to mimic a suicide. In another grim discovery on March 26, a 35-year-old man was found dead in an abandoned building near Ernakulam South overbridge, having lain there for nearly a month. Police suspect the deceased may have been a thief, as a laptop and mobile phone found nearby appeared stolen from rail passengers, though this remains unconfirmed.
Adding to the pattern, a 21-year-old man was stabbed to death in a building near North railway station in December last year. More recently, on Monday, a man was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in Kalamassery; the victim escaped by using pepper spray on the perpetrator while returning from work on Sunday night.
Police and Community Response to the Growing Threat
In response to the escalating criminal activity, Kochi city police have initiated a comprehensive plan to secure these vulnerable spaces. They are collaborating with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Police to identify high-risk areas and implement safety measures. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Law and Order-II, Shahansha K S, confirmed that the matter is under active attention, with efforts underway to coordinate with railway and local body authorities to close unauthorized entry points to railway properties.
The police strategy includes:
- Increased patrolling in and around railway tracks and overbridges.
- Installation of CCTV cameras, including solar-powered units, with support from railway authorities, local bodies, and residential associations.
- Clearing thick overgrowth and bushes that provide cover for anti-social elements.
- Inspections of abandoned buildings, such as the one where the 30-day-old body was found.
Community Voices and Infrastructure Challenges
T N Prathapan, secretary of the Vyttila Vikasana Samithi, pointed out that one side of the railway track where the murder occurred is covered in shrubs and vegetation, creating hiding spots for criminals. He also noted the presence of a vast marshalling yard near Vyttila, which is vulnerable due to unauthorized entry and exit points. While RPF conducts occasional patrolling, Prathapan emphasized that the area is hardly monitored and called for the installation of cameras as essential for safety.
A source within the RPF underscored the ongoing challenges in securing extensive railway stretches, stating that constant monitoring is required beyond just stations, but staff shortages limit patrolling capabilities. Despite this, the RPF is conducting increased patrols on railway properties and coordinating closely with local police to address the crisis.
As Kochi confronts this surge in crimes, the combined efforts of law enforcement and community stakeholders aim to restore a sense of security and prevent further tragedies in these critical urban spaces.
