A magistrate court has remanded Chetan Singh, a Railway Protection Force constable accused of killing four individuals on a train on August 1, in police custody until August 7. Singh allegedly fired 12 rounds from his automatic service rifle, resulting in the deaths of his senior and three passengers.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Tikaram Meena, Head Constable Narendra Parmar, and Singh were on escort duty for the Jaipur-Mumbai Superfast Express on July 31, according to the police. Meena and Singh were in the AC compartment, while Parmar was in a sleeper coach.
As Singh was not well, Tikaram Meena contacted their senior, Harishchandra Meena at Mumbai Central, who advised that Singh be asked to rest, , according to the remand, which revealed the details of the incident. Tikaram Meena then called ASC Sujit Pandey, who also asked Singh to rest. However, Singh did not want to rest as the journey would last only two hours more.
Failed Attempt to Rest and Seek Medical Attention
When constable Amey Achary went to report to Meena, the ASI asked him to take Singh to another compartment so that the latter could rest and also advised Singh to seek treatment once they reach Mumbai. However, Singh did not listen.
Later, in line with Tikaram Meena's orders, Achary took Singh to another coach. After 10-15 minutes, Singh woke up and asked for his rifle, but Achary refused to give it to him.
This led to a struggle between Achary and Singh, with the latter mistakenly taking the former’s rifle. Achary informed Tikaram Meena and retrieved his rifle from Singh. He also informed Meena that Singh had removed the safety catch of his own rifle.
The Shocking Shooting Incident
At 5.25, Achary got information from passengers that Tikaram Meena had been shot. He immediately informed Parmar and the control room about the incident.
Around 10 minutes after the firing, someone pulled the emergency chain, and the train stopped between Mira Road and Dahisar, where Achary saw Singh getting down on the track with the rifle and firing at the train. Achary, who asked the passengers to close the windows and doors for safety, saw Singh walking towards the Mira Road railway station with the rifle.
Singh's Attempt to Flee and Subsequent Arrest
After 15 minutes, the train resumed its journey and reached Borivali station, where Achary informed the Railway police about the incident. The bodies were taken off the train and rushed to Shatabdi Hospital.
Singh, dropped his rifle on the track and attempted to escape, but Pawar and another constable apprehended him. Singh has allegedly confessed to the crime.
The police sought a 14-day remand, but the court granted police custody of seven days. Meanwhile, Singh's advocate argued in court that his client did not fire the shots.
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