Thiruvananthapuram — In the aftermath of the horrific assault aboard a Kerala Express train near Varkala, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Police have intensified raids and inspections across the state to nab intoxicated passengers and restore passenger safety.
The move follows a shocking incident in which a 19-year-old woman, identified as Sreekutty, was brutally attacked and pushed out of a moving train by Suresh Kumar (50), allegedly under the influence of alcohol. CCTV footage revealed that the altercation began when the victim and her friend confronted the accused for smoking inside the general compartment.
The attacker has been arrested and charged with attempted murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Meanwhile, Sreekutty remains in critical condition at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, battling severe head and spinal injuries.
Following public outrage, railway authorities have launched a statewide crackdown — conducting random raids, breathalyzer tests, and increased surveillance, especially in unreserved coaches, where security lapses are common. The RPF has also identified and plans to honour the brave passenger who overpowered the attacker, based on CCTV footage.
Officials admit that general coaches are often under-monitored and vulnerable due to limited staff and poor surveillance infrastructure. The Railway Ministry is reportedly preparing to upgrade security measures, including better CCTV coverage and additional RPF deployment.
The Varkala train attack has ignited a public debate over the safety of women passengers and the unchecked menace of alcohol consumption aboard trains. Authorities warn that strict legal action will be taken against those found intoxicated or creating disturbances on railway premises, reinforcing a zero-tolerance approach to such crimes.
