Kerala train attack: Key suspect Shahrukh Saifi held in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri

KOZHIKODE: The key suspect in the arson attack inside the Alappuzha-Kannur Express train has been nabbed from Ratnagiri in Maharashtra.
According to sources, the suspect Shahrukh Saifi has been nabbed from Ratnagiri in a joint operation conducted with the help of Maharashtra ATS and Central intelligence agencies.

It is learned that the suspect had sustained injuries in his face and head and had sought treatment at a Ratnagiri hospital. A team from Kerala police has reached Ratnagiri.
Three passengers, including a child, had died after they reportedly jumped out of the moving train to escape the fire and nine passengers sustained burn injuries.

Police had launched a massive search for the suspect identified as Shahrukh Saifi who had set many passengers on fire inside D1 compartment of Alappuzha-Kannur Express near Elathur in Kozhikode on Sunday night. The accused had splashed inflammable liquid on several passengers and had set them on fire at around 9.30pm.
Kerala police have constituted an 18-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), to investigate the incident.

Police and investigation agencies had been pursuing the leads received about the suspect's identity from the bag believed to be that of the suspect from the railway tracks near Elathur. It had a mobile phone without a SIM, a notebook with writings in English and Hindi, a bottle with petrol-like liquid, clothes, a lunchbox, spectacles, etc.
Ashwini Vaishnaw thanks Maharashtra govt for nabbing suspect
Union minister of railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said that the suspect in the arson attack inside a train in Kerala has been nabbed from Maharashta's Ratnagiri district.

"The person who committed this heinous crime has been apprehended in Ratnagiri of Maharashtra. I thank the Maharashtra government, their police and RPF and the NIA who have apprehended him this quickly," said Vaishnaw.
Kerala Police chief Anil Kant speaks to media
Speaking to reporters in Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala Police chief Anil Kant said Shahrukh Saifi was apprehended due to the combined efforts of the SIT formed here, central agencies and Maharashtra police.

"The suspect has been taken into custody. Right now he is in Ratnagiri. The process is on to bring him here. He will be brought here as soon as possible," the he said.
Watch Kerala train attack: Arrested accused, Sharukh Saifi handed over to Kerala police, will be taken to Kerala