In a startling turn of events, the investigation into the tragic murder of four individuals by a Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable aboard a Jaipur-Mumbai train has taken a new direction. While initially dismissing any communal connection, the railway police have now invoked Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the case against the accused constable, Chetan Singh.
The Government Railway Police (GRP) has redefined the contours of the case in the First Information Report (FIR), broadening its scope by incorporating charges of promoting enmity between different groups on the basis of religion, race, place of birth, residence, and language. This unexpected development comes after a week of intense scrutiny and public discourse surrounding the incident, according to media reports.
During the accused's court hearing, authorities unveiled their decision to include the additional charges, shedding light on the complexities of the investigation. The court, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, has granted police custody of the accused until August 11, allowing further examination into the motivations behind the tragic incident.
Alongside Section 153A, the FIR encompasses a range of charges, including IPC Section 302 (pertaining to murder), Arms Act 3, 25, and 27, as well as provisions from the Railways Act. The incident itself occurred on July 31 aboard the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Express near the Palghar railway station in Maharashtra.
At the heart of the case is accused constable Chetan Singh, aged 34, who allegedly committed the heinous act by shooting his senior, RPF Assistant Sub-Inspector Tikaram Meena, along with three passengers who were also on board the train. Singh's subsequent attempt to flee was thwarted when vigilant passengers activated the emergency chain, bringing the train to a halt near the Mira Road station within the Mumbai suburban network.
A disturbing video, purportedly captured by fellow passengers, went viral in the aftermath of the tragedy. The video depicted Chetan Singh amidst a grim scene, standing over the lifeless body of a man he had shot, while delivering a speech laden with communal overtones, invoking Pakistan and domestic political matters. This video has further intensified the national conversation surrounding the incident.
