Moving Train Tragedy: Railway Constable Fatally Shoots Senior and Three Other Passengers

Mumbai: An incident occurred on Monday morning aboard a running train near Palghar railway station in Maharashtra, where a Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel allegedly shot dead four individuals, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), according to an official statement. The accused was later apprehended while attempting to flee.

The Railway Protection Force reported that four casualties, including the ASI, were confirmed in the shooting incident that took place within the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express (12956). The accused has been arrested, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) North GRP has been informed.

RPF Constable Chetan Singh, the accused in the case, allegedly discharged his official automatic weapon at approximately 5 o’clock in the morning. The shooting took place on a train en route from Jaipur to Mumbai, resulting in the tragic deaths of ASI Tikaram Meena, who was in charge of escort duty, and three train passengers. According to officials, a total of 12 rounds were fired during the incident.

Tikaram Meena hailed from Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, while Chetan Singh originated from Hathras, Uttar Pradesh. Alongside them, two other RPF jawans were present, and the police are currently obtaining their statements for the investigation.

According to a senior officer from the force, Chetan Singh was known for having a quick temper, as revealed to the media.

During a media briefing, Inspector General of RPF (Western Railway) Praveen Sinha stated, “He had a short fuse, he was quite hot-headed. There was no altercation. He just lost his temper and shot his senior, then fired at whoever he saw.”

The official statement from the RPF detailed the sequence of events, stating, “Constable Chetan Singh fired on Party Incharge ASI Tikaram Meena from his ARM Rifle and an unidentified passenger in Coach No B 5. He then fired on two other unidentified passengers in Coach No S 6 and the attached Pantry car. At approximately 6:18, when the train reached Borivali, four deceased bodies were recovered by GRP and RPF officers and staff. The identities of the passengers are yet to be established. Constable Chetan has been detained, and his ARM has been recovered.”

In response to the incident, Western Railways has initiated a high-level investigation. The accused was previously stationed in Lower Parel, according to their statement.

Quoting officials, news agency PTI reported that following the murder of his senior, the constable proceeded to another carriage and fatally shot three passengers.

The RPF constable reportedly opened fire while the train was in motion after crossing Palghar Station. Following the shooting, he pulled the emergency chain and disembarked near Dahisar Station. The Chief Public Relations Officer of the railways stated that with the assistance of Government Railway Police and RPF officials, the police successfully apprehended the constable at Mira Road.

According to railway officials, the accused and three other RPF personnel were part of the escort team responsible for safeguarding the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Express as it traveled from Surat station in Gujarat on Monday. The day before, the same four-member team had provided security for the Dadar-Porbandar Saurashtra Express up to Surat station. On the return journey, they were assigned to guard the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Express, as confirmed by a senior railway official.

Typically, escort parties for long-distance trains consist of four to five personnel from both GRP and RPF. They ensure the security of trains within their respective railway divisions, with counterparts from other divisions taking over the responsibility during subsequent stretches of the journey.

According to Sumit Thakur, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway (WR), the constable involved in the incident was assigned to the Lower Parel RPF post, while ASI Tika Ram Meena was attached to the Dadar RPF post.

The Jaipur-Mumbai Central Express commenced its journey from Jaipur station in Rajasthan at 2:01 pm on Sunday and arrived at Surat station at 2:47 am on Monday, where the escort party boarded the train.

Western Railways has declared a series of compensations for the family of ASI Tikaram Meena. From the Railway Surksha Kalyan Nidhi, they will receive ₹15 lakhs. Additionally, ₹20,000 will be granted for funeral expenses, ₹15 lakhs as Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity, and ₹65,000 under the General Insurance Scheme.

Tikaram Meena is survived by his wife and two children – a 25-year-old daughter named Pooja and a 35-year-old son, both of whom are married. He also has an 80-year-old mother. Mr. Meena was scheduled to retire in the year 2025.