Varkala train attack: victim discharged from private hospital in Kochi after intensive treatment

Nineteen-year-old Sreekutty, who was critically injured after she was booted off a moving Kerala Express train by an allegedly inebriated fellow passenger between Varkala and Kadakkavoor stations in Thiruvananthapuram, was discharged from a private hospital here on Monday.

She was admitted at the Amrita Hospital here on December 25, 2025 after undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram following the incident on November 2, 2025. She had suffered serious cranial and other serious injuries.

A communication issued by the hospital authorities said that a concerted effort made by multiple departments helped Sreekutty to return to normal life. Her family is relieved as she can now walk and eat on her own. She has also regained her speech faculty.

The authorities pointed out that the Mata Amritanandamayi Math had undertaken the treatment expenses and it was offered free of cost. She was shifted from Government Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram following the intervention made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, according to the communication.

The Varkala Police had arrested Suresh Kumar, a handyman hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, on the charge of pushing her from a moving train. According to the police, Suresh Kumar boarded the train in Kottayam. He had gone there for painting work and was returning home after inspecting the site. They said Suresh Kumar had a history of violence and petty crime, including several run-ins with friends and neighbours.

Sreekutty and her friend Archana were travelling home from Aluva. They said Sreekutty was waiting near the door for Archana to return from the toilet when the fracas occurred. Suresh Kumar insisted that she move aside for him. The police had said that the accused struck Sreekutty on the back with his foot, propelling her out of the running train.