Mumbai train killings: New charges added to RPF constable’s FIR, custody extended till August 11

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A magistrate's court has extended the custody of Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable Chetan Singh, who is accused of the fatal shooting of his senior officer and three passengers on the Jaipur-Mumbai express train, until August 11.

The case against the accused RPF constable, Chetan Singh, has taken a new turn with the addition of Sections 341, 342, 363, and 153A of the Indian Penal Code. These sections address acts of promoting enmity between diverse groups on grounds of religion, race, place of origin, residence, language, and more, as well as engaging in actions detrimental to maintaining social harmony.

Initially detained until August 7, the constable's custody period concluded today, prompting the prosecution to seek an extension again. The court granted this request, extending his custody until August 11.

On July 31, Singh, aged 33, allegedly discharged his firearm aboard the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Express around 5 a.m., resulting in the tragic deaths of RPF Assistant Sub-Inspector Tika Ram Meena (58) and three passengers - Abdul Qadirbhai Mohammed Hussain Bhanpurwala (62), Akhtar Abbas Ali (48), and Sadar Mohammed Hussain (48).

Advocate Amit Mishra, representing the accused, steadfastly maintained Singh's innocence, asserting he bore no responsibility for the fatalities. In contrast, the prosecution, in its pursuit of 14-day police custody, contended that Singh was mentally unfit. However, the magistrate settled on a seven-day police custody period.

Singh was apprehended by Government Railway Police personnel as he attempted to flee when the train came to a halt between Mira Road and Dahisar stations, prompted by passengers pulling the emergency brake.

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With claims of having fired a dozen rounds from his automatic weapon, Singh was found to have eight bullets remaining in his firearm following the incident. The victims encompassed a senior policeman and passengers in coach B5, B6, and the pantry car between the two coaches.

Originally hailing from Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, Singh was transferred from the Bhavnagar division to Mumbai in March. After a recent visit to Hathras, he resumed duty on July 17. The charges brought against him include Section 302 (punishment for murder) of the Indian Penal Code, along with pertinent sections of the Indian Weapons Act and Indian Railway Act.

The deceased officer, Tika Ram Meena, hailed from Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, and was slated for retirement in 2025. He is survived by his wife, a 25-year-old son, and two daughters aged 18 and 20.