In the first half of this year, nearly 120 people lost their lives on railway premises—including platforms and track areas—across the Mysuru railway division. Authorities note this as a growing concern, especially since about 10% of the deceased remain unidentified.
The Mysuru Government Railway Police (GRP) oversees 650 km of railway lines spanning six districts: Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Shivamogga, and Chikkamagaluru. Officers face significant difficulties tracing identities, as many victims are destitute individuals traveling from distant states.
One recent incident involved a man discovered lifeless near Mysuru railway station toward Nanjangud, whose identity could only be confirmed thanks to an Aadhaar card in his possession. He was from Andhra Pradesh, and his family was informed.
Two weeks earlier, another man died after falling from a moving train near Mandya station. His mobile phone helped police contact his relatives. In February, a woman was found raped and murdered in an under-construction building near Hassan station. While GRP detectives swiftly arrested the accused within two weeks, her identity is still unknown.
Another case in April involved a man with severe head injuries discovered dead near Krishnaraja Sagar station; the autopsy revealed murder, prompting a detailed investigation.
Chethan V, inspector of GRP Mysuru, reported that most cases last year were either accidental or natural deaths. All deceased persons undergo postmortem examinations to determine the cause of death, and DNA samples are collected when necessary.