KOZHIKODE: The special investigation team transporting the train arson attack accused, Shahrukh Saifi, to Kozhikode had to change three vehicles — after two broke down in Kannur — raising question marks over the security arrangements put in place by the state police to transport a high-profile asset.
The vehicle the team changed into at the Kerala-Karnataka border suffered a burst tyre at Kannur’s Kadachira around 3.30 am. It took 45 minutes for Edakkad police to reach the spot and secure the vehicle. Meanwhile, residents, who had come to know of the incident, started to gather around the vehicle to catch a glimpse of the accused. Police had to struggle to control the situation.
Another vehicle was arranged for the team. Unfortunately, the vehicle belonging to Kannur ATS that was brought to the scene also developed a snag and failed to start. The accused and the three policemen accompanying him had to wait at Kadachira for another 45 minutes. It was later in a vehicle belonging to a Kannur police officer that the team reached Kozhikode.
The accused was brought to Kerala in an Innova car from Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, but the team shifted to another car as they entered the state. The severe lapses in securing the accused have come in for criticism from various quarters.