An RPF constable shot dead his own senior and three Muslims on a train saying, ‘If you wish to stay in India, then just Modi and Yogi’
The horror happened by Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable aboard the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express on Monday killing his senior officer and three passengers.
As per the authorities’ statements, Constable Chetan Singh allegedly shot 12 rounds with his assault rifle at ASI Tika Ram Meena, who was in charge of his escort duty, while the train was in motion. Subsequently, he proceeded to another coach and fatally shot three Muslim passengers.
Journalist Rana Ayyub tweeted, “Prime Minister Modi, this is the impact of the anti-Muslim hate speech by leaders of your party. An RPF constable shot dead his own senior and three poor Muslims on a train. After shooting them he is heard telling passengers, ‘If you wish to stay in India, then just Modi and Yogi’
This one is also on the bloodthirsty news anchors demonizing an entire community.”
Prime Minister Modi, this is the impact of the anti- Muslim hate speech by leaders of your party. An RPF constable shot dead his own senior and three poor Muslims on a train. After shooting them he is heard telling passengers, ‘if you wish to stay in India, then just Modi and… pic.twitter.com/81SczdIwmw
— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) July 31, 2023
After the horrifying attack, the accused attempted to flee the scene but was swiftly apprehended by Government Railway Police (GRP) officers.
Here is a detailed account of the tragic incident and its aftermath:
The dreadful event unfolded at approximately 5 AM when the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express was nearing Palghar railway station. Constable Chetan Singh, along with two other constables and Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Tikaram, had the responsibility of escorting the train. They were en route to Mumbai Central to fulfill their assignment.
According to RPF sources, the standard practice involves assigning senior officers and a team of constables to accompany express trains for security purposes. Chetan Singh was part of an escort team that traveled with the train to Surat railway station, where they rested for a few hours before resuming their duties.
Unexpectedly, as the train passed Palghar railway station, Chetan Singh began firing his automatic weapon, an AKM (a modified version of AK-47). He shot and killed ASI Tikaram before proceeding to coaches B5, S6, and the pantry car, where he fatally shot three unidentified passengers. In total, he fired 12 rounds, leading to the tragic deaths of ASI Tikaram and three passengers.
The motive behind this violent act is currently under investigation, but initial reports suggest that Chetan Singh might have been suffering from mental distress and harbored grievances, possibly related to harassment.
Following the rampage, the accused activated the emergency chain shortly after the train departed from Virar station. The train came to a halt at Mira Road station, and Chetan attempted to flee, but the vigilance of fellow officers ensured his capture before he could escape.
The authorities subsequently took the train and the deceased bodies to Borivali railway station, where a nearby government hospital facilitated the post-mortem examinations.
Originally hailing from Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, Chetan Kumar had previously been posted in Gujarat and was recently assigned to Mumbai.
RPF Inspector General Pravin Sinha stated that the accused, Constable Chetan Singh, was known for having a short temper.
“There was no prior complaint about him being upset or anything else. He first shot his senior ASI Tika Ram and then randomly fired upon people,” said Sinha;