Kozhikode, Saturday, 17 July 2010: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Mullapally Ramachandran today took a new stance that, an ‘NIA probe’ would be considered in the case of Nilambur rail sabotage attempt, if the State government demands for the same, by giving it a second thought.

Minister making it clear that he had no disparity in opinion with the State Home Ministry, said that the formalities for the probe would be initiated as soon as the government files an application. He also clarified that he had opposed an NIA (National Investigating Agency) since the agency had already been burdened by investigation of several other terror cases in the State.

Earlier report: -

A major mishap was avoided when the brake valves of the Nilambur Shoranur Fast Passenger was found broken today morning. The brake vaves where found removed at 6.45 am, when the driver tried to start the engine. The driver noticed reduction in air pressure, prompting a checkup. The pipes were found removed in 20 parts using blade.

The train carries 11 bogies. Officials suspect that the pipes may have been removed during Wednesday midnight and wee hours today. The fact that the pipes were made of rubber made the act of removal easier

In another incident, a packet with suspected explosives was recovered from Vanchinad express. The passengers of the express informed the Railway police about the packet in the wake of suspicion.

Aluminium bars and Neogel recovered from the packet have been sent for forensic test. The packet was handed over to the police during the halt at Mavelikkara station