Kozhikode: Railway police have launched an extensive search operation to apprehend a thief, who allegedly pushed a 64-year old woman from a moving train after snatching her bag on Saturday.
According to police, the incident occurred around 0500 AM near Kozhikode railway station. The victim Ammini Jose, resident of Thalore in Thrissur district, was returning from Panvel in Maharashtra, along with her brother Vargheese, after attending a funeral function. They were travelling in the reserved coach (S1) of the Sampark Kranti Express (12218).
The victim was reportedly standing near the door of the coach, having placed her handbag on the seat next to the window, while waiting for her brother to return from the toilet.
Suddenly, a thief attempted to snatch the handbag; when she resisted, he violently pushed her out of the moving train before leaping off himself with the stolen bag, which reportedly contained Rs 8,500 in cash and a mobile phone.
Most commuters were asleep during the incident. However, Vargheese hearing his sister's screams, rushed out of the toilet and immediately alerted the train's Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE), who then pulled the emergency chain to stop the train.
Fellow passengers organized a quick search and found Ammini lying injured beside the tracks with a head injury. She was brought back to the train, and they alighted at Tirur railway station to seek medical attention. She was then rushed to Kozhikode Medical College hospital, where she was treated and discharged in the evening.
Family members stated that Ammini Jose narrowly escaped a more serious tragedy, as another train passed on a nearby track just moments after she fell. The Railway police are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend the suspect.