On 31 July 2023, around 5 AM local time (23:30 GMT) on the Mumbai Central–Jaipur Superfast Express train during its journey from Jaipur to Mumbai[1] a Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable named Chetan Singh (aged 33) discharged a firearm resulting in four people losing their lives, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI).[2] The incident took place near Palghar, a town in the western state of Maharashtra, approximately two hours away from Mumbai by train.[3]
| 2023 Jaipur Express killings | |
|---|---|
| Location | Palghar, Maharashtra, India |
| Date | 31 July 2023 5:00 AM (23:30 GMT) (IST) |
Attack type | mass shooting, mass murder |
| Deaths | 4 |
| Perpetrator | Chetan Singh |
Incident
editAccording to reports, Singh is alleged to have fired 12 rounds from his service rifle, resulting in the deaths of his colleague and a passenger. Afterward, it was reported that the suspect allegedly committed additional murders in two other train coaches.[3] The victims were identified as RPF ASI Tika Ram Meena, aged 57, Abdul Kadar, aged 64, Asgar Abbas Ali, aged 48, and Syed Saifullah. Three passengers were reported to be of the Muslim faith while Ram Meena is reported to be of the Hindu faith.[4]
During the investigation, it was determined that Railway Protection Force (RPF) Constable Chetan Singh Chaudhary threatened a Muslim woman passenger wearing a burqa, coercing her to say "Jai Mata Di" at gunpoint aboard the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express on July 31.[5][6][7]
Aftermath
editFollowing the incident, Singh was apprehended by the police after he activated the train's emergency alarm and fled the scene. Divisional Railway Manager Neeraj Kumar informed the media that efforts are underway to reach out to the affected families, and compensation will be provided to the next of kin.[8]
Reactions
editAfter the shooting incident, a video emerged on social media. In the video, Singh can be seen holding a rifle and standing beside a deceased bearded man with blood stains. The man in the video is heard making a statement: "They were being operated from Pakistan, and our media is providing them coverage. They are all aware. But I am telling you, if you wish to live and vote in Hindustan [India], there are only two names to consider - [Prime Minister Narendra] Modi and [Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath] Yogi."[4]
Asaduddin Owaisi and Srinivas BV shared the video, denouncing the incident as a "hate crime."[9]
References
edit- ^ "Railway cop who shot 4 people on Jaipur-Mumbai train, sent for mental health check-up over killings". Firstpost.
- ^ "Maharashtra News | Firing In Jaipur Express Train, 4 Men Died". News.abplive.com. 2023-01-08. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- ^ a b "Indian guard kills colleague and three passengers on train, then hails Modi | Islamophobia News". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- ^ a b "Deadly train shooting in India: What to know | News". Al Jazeera. 2023-01-08. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- ^ "Jaipur-Mumbai Train Killings: RPF constable forced woman in burqa to say 'Jai Mata Di' at gunpoint, finds probe". The Indian Express. 2023-08-16. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ "Jaipur-Mumbai Train Shooting: Accused RPF Constable Forced Burqa-Clad Woman To Chant 'Jai Mata Di' At Gunpoint, Says Report". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ "Jaipur-Mumbai train shootings: RPF cop forced burqa-clad passenger to say 'Jai Mata Di'". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ Suri, Manveena (31 July 2023). "India, Maharashtra train shooting: Four dead after railway officer opens fire on moving train". CNN. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
- ^ "Hate crime, say Congress, AIMIM, share 'video' of railway cop after he killed 4 - India Today". Indiatoday.in. Retrieved 2023-08-02.