RPF constable shoots dead ASI, three passengers on board Jaipur-Mumbai train

Chetan Kumar Choudhary opened fire on his escort duty incharge ASI Tika Ram Meena in the running train. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

A Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable on Monday morning shot dead four people, including an RPF Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), on board a train near the Palghar railway station in Maharashtra, an official said.

The constable fired from his automatic weapon, killing an RPF Assistant Sub Inspector and three other passengers of the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Express shortly after 5 am, the official said.

Palghar is around 100 km from Mumbai.

Accused constable

The official further said that Chetan Kumar Choudhary opened fire on his escort duty in charge ASI Tika Ram Meena in the running train.

After killing his senior, the constable went to another bogie and shot dead three passengers, the official added.

The constable was caught by police at Mira Road with the help of Government Railway Police and RPF officials.

"In an unfortunate incident in Jaipur - Mumbai Superfast Express police constable shot at his colleague escort incharge ASI Tika Ram. The reason of this is not established yet. It is regretted that ASI Tika ram and three other civilians died. Constable was arrested by RPF/Bhayandar. Further investigation is on," said Western Railway CPRO.

Meanwhile, an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh has been announced for the kin of deceased ASI Meena, the Western Railway CPRO said.

Meena's kin will be given Rs 15 lakh from the Railway Suraksha Kalyan Nidhi (fund), apart from funeral expenses of Rs 20,000, Western Railway CPRO said.

His kin will also get a sum from the death-cum-retirement gratuity and group insurance scheme, the official said.