In a shocking incident aboard the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Express, a Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable identified as Chetan Kumar Choudhary unleashed terror, resulting in the tragic death of four individuals, including RPF Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Tika Ram Meena and three passengers. The incident occurred shortly after 5 am on Monday, leaving the railway community and passengers in a state of disbelief and grief.
According to reports, the constable, who had recently returned from leave, displayed signs of short temper and was allegedly suffering from mental health issues. Eyewitnesses revealed that Choudhary initiated the horrifying rampage by first shooting his superior, ASI Tika Ram Meena, and then turning the automatic weapon on other passengers who inadvertently came into his path. The chaotic situation unfolded as Choudhary proceeded to another bogie of the train, where he cold-bloodedly executed three innocent passengers.
Panicked passengers attempted to apprehend the assailant, but he managed to escape momentarily between Mira Road and Dahisar stations. However, his bid for freedom was short-lived as the Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel promptly caught up with him and disarmed him, bringing him into custody. Authorities have described Choudhary as mentally unstable, adding that his erratic actions were a result of his mental health struggles. The accused constable, hailing from Hathras in Uttar Pradesh, is now in the custody of Mira Road railway police for further investigation.
The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the railway community and raised concerns about the mental health support available to personnel. Inspector General-cum-Principal Chief Security Commissioner of Western Railway, PC Sinha, expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and assured a thorough investigation into the matter. The tragic incident occurred while a four-member RPF team, including Constable Choudhary, was escorting the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Express from Surat station in Gujarat. Previously, the same team had escorted the Dadar-Porbandar Saurashtra Express up to Surat station.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues among frontline personnel and passengers’ safety during train journeys. Authorities are expected to undertake measures to ensure the well-being of railway staff and passengers and to prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring. As the bodies of the victims were retrieved at Borivali railway station, the railway community and the nation mourn the loss of innocent lives in this tragic event that unfolded aboard the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Express.