Police chargesheet says RPF cop who killed 4 on Jaipur-Mumbai train was mentally stable

In a shocking incident that unfolded on July 31, RPF Constable Chetan Singh Chaudhary unleashed a barrage of bullets, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals, including his senior officer, aboard the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express. Now, a recently filed chargesheet by the Government Railway Police (GRP) has declared Chaudhary mentally stable and conscious of his actions during the gruesome event.

The chargesheet, an extensive document comprising over 1,000 pages, was submitted before a local court in the Mumbai suburbs. It states that the conclusion regarding Chetan Singh Chaudhary's mental state was derived from the depositions of more than 150 witnesses, shedding light on this unsettling incident.

In addition to witness testimonies, investigators delved into the CCTV footage captured inside the train during the fateful journey. The footage revealed Chaudhary's movements as he moved between compartments, seemingly searching for potential victims. According to the GRP officers, they officially documented the testimonies of three such witnesses at the Borivali Metropolitan Magistrate court in accordance with Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The horrifying event transpired when Chetan Singh Chaudhary opened fire inside the train, taking the lives of four railway passengers, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Railway Protection Force. The incident occurred shortly after the Jaipur-Mumbai Superfast Express crossed Palghar Station in Maharashtra. The incident took place in the B5 coach of the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express, bearing train number 12956. The shooting was reported at 5:23 on July 31, 2023, prompting a swift response from authorities. In the aftermath of the tragic event, a high-level committee, under the leadership of the Additional Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), was established to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

Sumit Thakur, Chief PRO of Western Railway, offered some insights into the tragedy. "In an unfortunate incident in Jaipur-Mumbai Superfast Express, a police constable shot at his colleague escort in charge ASI Tika Ram… It is regretted that ASI Tika Ram and three other civilians died. The constable was arrested by RPF/Bhayandar."

Thakur further noted that the shooter, RPF Constable Chetan, was not feeling well and had lost his composure at the time of the incident. Importantly, Thakur confirmed that there had been no argument or altercation preceding the violence. It is pertinent to mention that Chaudhary faces charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 302 (murder), Section 153-A (inciting discord among different groups based on factors like religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc). Additionally, he has also been charged under pertinent regulations of the Railways Act and the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act.

(With inputs from agencies)