Kottayam: A youth who tried to derail trains by damaging a stretch of track between the Chingavanam and Kottayam sectors between 10 p.m. on Thursday and 4.30 a.m. on Friday was held from Ernakulam south railway station on Friday evening.
He was identified as Deepu K. Thankappan, 35, Kochuparampil house, Pakkil, near Kottayam. He was absconding after the incident.
According to eyewitnesses, in the first incident on Thursday night, he reportedly drover a bike for about two kilometres on the track and left it there just before the Malabar Express coming from Thiruvananthapuram reached Pakkil.
The train stopped after dragging the bike for about 60 metres, severely damaging it. The train left after the two-wheeler was pulled out from under the wheels.
In the second incident, an attempt was made to derail the Amrutha Express by allegedly throwing iron rods, stones and old electronic items on the y track near Channanikkad.
The train did not stop but the incident was reported to the railway authorities in Kottayam.
The third incident was reported from Poovanthuruth when the Vivek Express was passing through. The driver saw a milestone placed on the track when it reached the town.
All trains on the route were stopped at nearby stations till the authorities cleared the tracks, railway sources said.
“The police are investigating into the incident and could not confirm any sabotage attempt,” said Chingavanam sub-inspector K.P. Thomson.
