Stephan Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (SP/DV)

Kasargod, Oct 21: A railway passenger named Fatimma alias Pathu (44), a resident of Kondoti, was burnt alive inside a train at Kannur railway station early morning hours on Monday October 20.

The incident occurred inside Kannur ­Alappuzha Executive Express at 4:30 am on Monday October 20. The train was yet to move out of the railway station at Kannur, when a person suddenly approached Fathima, who was seated in one of the compartments, from behind, poured kerosene on her, ignited fire and ran away after alighting from the train. The passengers who witnessed the act, informed the police. Immediately after extinguishing the fire, Fathima, who was in a critical condition with extensive burns was admitted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. However she did not respond to treatment and succumbed to injuries.

Many persons including the railway police, railway staff, passengers as well as the general public had watched the person alighting from the train and running away. No one tried to stop or follow him, as they were not aware that he had tried to kill a woman seconds ago, it is said.

The reason for the attack is not known. However, the police have released a sketch of the accused.