Sterin Elza Shaji, 19, and Justin Joseph, 20, were first-year BSc nursing students at a private institute in Bengaluru.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Two nursing students from Kerala were killed after being run over by a Vande Bharat Express train near Chikkabanavara Railway Station on the outskirts of Bengaluru on November 23.
The deceased have been identified as Sterin Elza Shaji, 19, and Justin Joseph, 20. Both were first-year BSc nursing students at a private institute in Bengaluru, and were staying in a paying guest accommodation.
According to Railway Police, the incident occurred around 2.35 p.m. when the Belagavi-bound Vande Bharat Express was passing through Chikkabanavara.
A probe revealed that the duo came under the train. Their bodies were found mangled on the tracks. Police are yet to ascertain whether it is a case of accident or suicide. The police are verifying the CCTV camera footage while checking with the deceased’s family and friends to ascertain the cause.
The Bengaluru Rural Railway Police Station has filed an Unnatural Death Report (UDR).
Published – November 24, 2025 11:47 am IST
