The Kozhikode Railway Protection Force (RPF) arrested two people for stealing a railway signal cable at Poovadan Gate in Kerala’s Vadakara. The accused, Manowar Ali (37) and Abbas Ali (47), reportedly natives of Assam, were caught cutting and removing the cables and attempting to sell them in their scrap shop.

The RPF seized the stolen 12-metre signal cable and the hacksaw blade used in the theft. The accused had rented an old house near Paravanthala in Vadakara, where they operated a scrap business. Abbas Ali reportedly also runs an agribusiness. Manowar Ali went to Poodavan Gate and cut the cable, causing a disruption in the railway signalling system between Vadakara and Mahe on Friday (21 June 2024) morning. This led to delays for around ten trains.

Upon receiving information about the incident, the RPF team arrived at the location and conducted an inspection. During the inspection near the railway track, they found Manowar Ali and, upon questioning, discovered a portion of the cable in his possession. A further search at their scrap business premises revealed the remaining cable portion. The police team comprised Vadakara R.P.F. Sub-Inspector TM Dhanya, ASI. PP Bineesh, Head Constable Siraj, K. Menon, Abdul Majeed, K. Sajith, and P. Manoharan.

According to police, both accused, Manowar Ali and Abbas Ali, originally from Assam, are involved in the scrap business in Kerala. Such disturbances in the railway signalling system could lead to train accidents if not promptly addressed. Railway authorities must ensure the security of their property to maintain the safety of passengers. The arrest of the two accused also needs to be seen in light of recent arrests of suspected Islamist terrorists and even ISIS module terrorists in recent times.

(Featured image courtesy: Manorama Online)