In a significant development, authorities anticipate the arrest of a Bengal native, Pushanjith Sidgar, today in connection with the recent train fire incident that occurred in Kannur. The arrest is pending following the discovery of compelling evidence linking the individual to the crime.
Investigation findings revealed that four out of the ten fingerprints obtained from the burnt train match those of Pushanjith. Furthermore, his fingerprints were found on a bottle recovered from the charred coach, further strengthening the case against him.
However, before formal charges can be filed, a thorough interrogation of the suspect will take place. Law enforcement officials are currently reviewing additional CCTV footage from the area to gather more information. In parallel, railway officials are set to conduct a meticulous inspection of the train as part of the ongoing investigation.
The train fire incident took place in the early morning hours of Thursday on the Kannur-Alappuzha Executive Express. While the train was stationary at the Kannur station yard, it was deliberately set ablaze, resulting in the complete destruction of one bogie.
Although the individual in custody has displayed signs of mental health issues, authorities remain cautious and have not fully acknowledged it as a valid defense. Previously, the suspect had been apprehended for burning garbage near the train but was released due to claims of mental instability. Subsequently, he was found near the premises of the Kannur railway station late Wednesday night.
CCTV footage obtained from BPCL played a crucial role in identifying the suspect, as it captured him approaching the train around 1 am on Thursday. However, despite intensive questioning by a team led by city police commissioner M R Ajith Kumar, the accused has yet to admit to the crime.
Currently, he is being interrogated at an undisclosed location, with the assistance of a Hindi translator. His statements have been inconsistent, initially confessing to burning the garbage but later retracting it and providing contradictory information about his involvement in the train fire.
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