Kochi: Authorities are investigating a potential sabotage attempt on the railway line in Pachalam, Ernakulam, after a large rock was discovered on the track early Friday morning. The incident prompted a swift response from the railway police and a dog squad, who have launched a detailed probe into the matter.
The obstruction was found on the track shortly after the Mysore-Kochuveli Express departed at around 4:30 a.m. While the rock was not large enough to derail the train, the loco pilot immediately informed the railway police about the hazard. Officials noted that if the rock had been positioned closer to the edge of the track, it could have caused a serious accident, raising suspicions of deliberate placement.
A concerning element at the site was the presence of a dead dog lying nearby, its body reportedly scattered. Authorities are investigating whether the animal was struck by a train or if its death is linked to the suspicious activity. Police are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area and have intensified security checks to determine how the rock was brought onto the track.
Local residents suggested that the rock may have been moved from a nearby area onto the track during the night, but police are considering all possibilities, including intentional sabotage. Investigators continue to assess the scene, emphasizing the potential risk posed by such objects on busy railway lines and the need to prevent similar incidents in the future.