Accused in passenger train rape case arrested from Palakkad

One person was arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a 23-year-old woman passenger of a local train, who was seriously injured in the incident and continues to battle for her life.

Govindaswamy, a hardened criminal hailing from Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu had admitted to the crime. He has been charged under IPC sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), police said.

The accused, who does not have the left arm, was taken into custody from Palakkad district in Kerala, they said.

The woman was pushed out of train by the accused after she resisted his attempt to snatch her bag. He also jumped out of the Ernakulam-Shornur passenger train, along with her and raped the severely injured woman.

Meanwhile, Thrissur Medical College Hospital superintendent, VK Mohanan said the woman's condition showed no signs of improvement and she was still on the ventilator.

The woman, working in a private firm in Kochi, was travelling by the ladies compartment of the train on Tuesday night when the incident took place. She was returning home for a marriage proposal. The train was deserted after it left Thrissur station.

She was found on the tracks between Vallatholnagar and Shornur stations with serious injuries. She had head injuries, a fractured skull and bleeding in the brain.