A shocking incident occurred on the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express early Monday, where a Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable, who was on escort duty, fired 12 rounds from his automatic service rifle. The constable, Chetan Singh, aged 33, first killed his senior, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Tikaram Meena, aged 57, and then turned his weapon on three passengers, resulting in their deaths.
“The families of the deceased persons are being contacted and the ex gratia amount will be given to them," a official said, after an #RPF jawan shot dead four people on board a train near Palghar.
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— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) July 31, 2023
The two passengers who lost their lives were identified as Asgar Abbas Ali, aged 48, and Abdul Kadar Mohamed Hussain Bhanpurwala, aged 64, while the identity of the third passenger is yet to be confirmed. The tragic incident took place around 5 am when the train was nearing Vaitarna Railway Station, which is about two hours from Mumbai, after departing from Vapi Railway Station.
Fellow passengers managed to capture a video of the horrifying event, in which Constable Chetan Singh can be heard making controversial statements, suggesting outside influence and political motivations. Authorities are currently investigating the video’s authenticity and will show it to the accused for verification.
The jawan, identified as Chetan Kumar allegedly tried to flee after pulling the alarm chain and getting down near Dahisar, police said.
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— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) July 31, 2023
After the incident, Singh tried to escape but was caught by the combined efforts of RPF and GRP personnel near Mira Road Railway Station.
The motive behind the killings remains unclear, and officials are still investigating the case. According to Western Railway officials, ASI Meena was shot four times at close range.
P C Sinha, Inspector General cum Principal Chief Security Commissioner, Western Railway, informed reporters that Constable Chetan Singh had recently returned from a 12-day leave and was known for his short temper and mental health issues.
Further details emerged that Singh had complained of restlessness an hour before the incident, which led ASI Meena to contact the control room for a possible replacement. However, Singh later claimed to feel better and continued with his duties.
Singh had been serving in the RPF for more than 12 years and was stationed at the Lower Parel workshop. He had recently requested a transfer to Mumbai and arrived in the city in March.
Following the incident, a murder case was registered at Borivali GRP, and Singh was officially taken into custody.
BJP MLA Manisha Chaudhary, who visited the Borivali GRP, called for a thorough investigation to determine the exact reasons behind the tragedy, considering aspects such as the accused’s mental state and potential underlying issues.
The family of ASI Tikaram Meena will receive financial support in the form of an ex gratia of Rs 25 lakh, Rs 15 lakh from the Railway Surksha Kalyan Nidhi.
Read More: National News
Read More: RPF Constable Kills Senior