Initial probe into RPF constable’s killing spree on train says he was upset with seniors
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Mumbai: The unravelling of the shocking incident on a Mumbai-bound train revealed that the accused RPF constable, who shot four bullets at his senior, was upset with him for not allowing him to leave early despite his repeated requests. However, the motive behind the killing of the other three passengers on the train remains a mystery.
A 33-year-old Railway Police Force (RPF) constable, identified as Chetan Singh fired four bullets at Assistant Sub-Inspector Tikaram Meena (57) and three other passengers. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, leaving the passengers and authorities in a state of shock and disbelief.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the root cause of the incident was Singh's request to be relieved from duty a few hours before his shift was scheduled to end. Singh had reported feeling unwell and sought permission to leave early, but his senior officials insisted on him completing his duty, further aggravating his state of mind.
Fellow RPF constable, Amay Acharya, revealed in his statement to the Borivali Government Railway Police (GRP) that Singh, Meena, and three other ticket checkers had gathered in the pantry coach in the wee hours of Monday. Concerned about Singh's well-being, Meena had asked Acharya to check on him. However, Acharya could not ascertain if Singh had a fever.
Despite efforts by Meena and other authorities, Singh remained adamant about leaving duty early and getting off at Valsad railway station. Meena attempted to explain that they would reach Mumbai in just a few hours and urged Singh to complete his duty.
Singh forcefully took Acharya's rifle when the latter tried to help him rest. A struggle ensued, but eventually, Acharya and other RPF personnel managed to retrieve the rifle from Singh's possession.
Witnessing Singh's escalating fury, Meena and Acharya tried repeatedly to reason with him and calm him down. However, their efforts were in vain, and Singh, still seething with anger, removed the safety catch from his rifle.
But around 5 am, Singh opened fire inside the train, shooting Meena and causing panic among the passengers. Fearful for his own safety, Acharya sought refuge in the washroom as he received the horrifying news.
The train came to a halt between Mira Road and Dahisar railway stations, where authorities promptly responded to the incident. Meena was rushed to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.