In a ghastly act, an unidentified man set a woman ablaze after reportedly emptying a liquor bottle on her in a compartment of the Kannur-Alappuzha Executive Express at around 4:45 am on Monday.
Fathima, who sustained 40 percent burns in the attack, died while undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College hospital.
The 41-year-old victim, native to Kondotty in Malappuram district, was set ablaze when no other passengers were present in the compartment of the train, which was scheduled to leave from Kannur at 5 am. Fathima was running out of the train screaming in pain when other passengers noticed her and took her to a local hospital. She was later shifted to Kozhikode.
According to Railway sources, Fathima was seen quarreling with the man who attacked her before boarding the train.
The compartment where the brutal attack took place was later detached and the train began its journey to Alappuzha. Railway sources said at least two seats got burnt in the incident. Police are on the lookout for the attacker and have commenced an investigation along with the Railway Protection Force.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks