Kochi24 Feb (H.S.): A woman was found dead near the railway tracks at Vyttila in the early hours of Tuesday, prompting a detailed police investigation amid suspicions of foul play.
According to preliminary information, the body was spotted around 3 a.m. by the loco pilot of the Amrita Express while the train was passing through the area. The pilot immediately alerted railway authorities, who in turn informed the police. Officers rushed to the scene and initiated inquest proceedings.
The deceased is believed to be around 40 years old. Her identity has not yet been established. Police officials said the body was found lying close to the railway track, but initial assessments indicate that the death was not caused by a train accident.
Investigators observed severe injuries on the woman’s face and other parts of the body, raising suspicions that she may have been assaulted. Prima facie, it does not appear to be a case of death due to being hit by a train. The nature of the injuries suggests the possibility of a physical attack, a police officer said.
Authorities are probing whether the woman was murdered elsewhere and her body later dumped near the tracks in an attempt to mislead investigators. The position of the body and the pattern of injuries are being closely examined as part of the inquiry.
A mobile phone was recovered from near the body, which police believe could provide crucial leads. The device has been taken into custody for forensic examination. Officials said call records and other digital data would be analysed to help identify the woman and trace her last known movements.
A forensic team is expected to conduct a detailed examination of the scene to collect evidence. The body will be sent for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Police have registered a case and launched a comprehensive investigation. Efforts are underway to identify the deceased and ascertain the circumstances that led to her death. Authorities have also begun checking missing persons reports in and around Kochi.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
