Four Shot dead on Jaipur-Mumbai Express train

A firing incident took place near Palghar situated approximately 100 km away from Mumbai on 31st July, 2023.  A Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable named Chetan Kumar Choudhary fired from an automatic weapon and shot four individuals on board the express train. Among the deceased were an RPF Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and three other passengers of the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Express. 

Divisional Regional Manager Neeraj Verma recounted, “At around 6 am we were informed that an RPF constable on escorting duty opened fire. Four people have been shot dead. Our railway officer reached the spot. The families have been contacted. Ex-gratia will be given." Verma added, “We are examining the witnesses and trying to investigate from all angles.”

A senior police official said that the accused RPF constable reportedly suffered from mental instability. The shooting incident occurred on a running train when on escort duty, he shot and killed ASI Tikaram Meena, his in-charge. After this, the constable proceeded to another train compartment and shot dead three passengers.

CPRO of Western Railway expressed that an unfortunate incident has been reported in Mumbai-Jaipur Superfast Express. “An RPF constable, Chetan Kumar opened fire on his colleague ASI Tikaram Meena and during the incident, three other passengers were also shot. The accused has been arrested. The reason for the firing is not clear yet, we are investigating it.”After the shooting, the accused tried to flee the train between Mira Road and Dahisar. However, he was caught by Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel, who confiscated his weapon.

A statement released by the RPF said that “It was reported on train no 12956 at 5.23 on 31.7.23 that there had been a firing in B5 coach. It was confirmed that CT Chetan on escort duty, had fired on the escort in-charge ASI Tikaram. The train has arrived at BVI and, as per advance information, casualties of 3 civilians have also been reported, in addition to ASI. Sr DSC BCT is on the way to the site. The constable has been caught by police and DCP North Government Railway Police has been informed. A detailed report to follow."