The man was found unconscious on the tracks in the morning yesterday, with both his hands severed. He was rushed to a hospital where doctors said his condition is critical.
The victim, hailing from Idukki district, was travelling in the Malabar Express on his way to the Mookambika temple near Mangalore, they said, adding that the incident came to light when he regained consciousness.
Police said the man had tried to help the woman who was being harassed when he was pushed out of the train.