4 Killed In Firing Inside Jaipur-Mumbai Express Train, Accused RPF Constable Held

Mumbai: In a shocking incident, a Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable, Chetan Singh (30), opened fire on board the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express Monday morning, resulting in the deaths of his senior, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Tikaram Meena (58), and three other passengers: Abdul Kadir (55), Asgar Abbas Sheikh (48), and an unidentified person. Singh fired 12 rounds from his automatic service weapon, killing the victims. He was later apprehended at Mira Road station while attempting to flee. A case has been registered at the Borivli railway police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Railway Act for killing innocent people and misusing his service weapon.

Pictures of the train in which firing took place.

According to railway police officials, the tragic event unfolded between 5:00 a.m. and 5:15 a.m. while the train was heading from Vapi to Borivli. Singh first shot ASI Tikaram Meena in the B-5 coach with his ARM Rifle, then proceeded to gun down Abdul Kadir in the pantry car and shot two other passengers, Asgar Abbas Sheikh and an unidentified person, in coach S-6.

After the shooting spree, some passengers managed to activate the emergency alarm, and the train stopped between Mira Road and Dahisar. Calmly, Singh got off the train, walked to Mira Road station, and was apprehended by Government Railway Police (GRP) officers. Reports differed on whether he surrendered or was captured.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, though some sources mentioned that Singh suffered from mental health issues. He had recently returned from a 12-day leave and was assigned to escort duty upon his return.

The victims' families are being compensated with around Rs 60 lakh, including ex-gratia, funeral expenses, gratuity, and insurance benefits. ASI Tikaram Meena is survived by his wife, a daughter, and a son.

Singh, a 12-year veteran of the RPF, had a history of being short-tempered, and he was once issued a charge sheet for it. He joined the RPF in 2009 after the death of his father, who was also in the railways. Singh was transferred to Mumbai from Bhavnagar division in March 2023.

Amid the investigation, a video surfaced showing someone who resembles Singh delivering a lecture, but its authenticity is yet to be confirmed. Railway officials are looking into the matter, suspecting Singh's attempt to divert the investigation.

Amanullah Sheikh, brother of Asgar Shaikh, one of the deceased in the Jaipur Mumbai superfast firing case, refused to accept his brother's dead body and decided to protest at JJ. He is demanding a job for the deceased's kin. Speaking to FPJ, Amanullah Sheikh said he is heading to JJ for the protest. Amanullah works as a ladies purse seller at Mumbai Central.

A high-level five-member committee headed by the addition director general of RPF has been constituted by the railway board to conduct a comprehensive enquiry into the incident. The committee will investigate the reason and also suggest measures the avoid the  incidents  in future.