Bhubaneswar: A Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable on Monday shot dead four persons, including an assistant sub-inspector, on board a running Jaipur-Mumbai Central Express train between the Vapi and Palghar stations in Maharashtra early Monday.
The accused RPF constable, identified as Chetan Kumar, has been arrested.
“Four casualties, including the ASI, have been reported in the firing incident inside the Jaipur Express train (12956). The accused has been arrested. DCP North GRP has been informed,” news agency ANI quoted Railway Protection Force as saying.
The accused, RPF constable opened fired on his colleague and escort duty in-charge, ASI Tika Ram Meena, with his automatic weapon at 5.23 am after an argument over some personal and professional issues in B5 coach of the Jaipur Express train (12956). After killing his senior, the constable went to another bogie and shot dead three passengers, news agency PTI said, quoting officials.
He then jumped out of the train near Dahisar station and caught by police at Mira Road with the help of Government Railway Police and RPF officials, the reports added.
“In an unfortunate incident on 31st July, 2023, in Train No 12956 Jaipur – Mumbai Superfast Express escorting staff constable Chetan Kumar shot at his colleague escort incharge ASI Tika Ram. The constable upon shooting his colleague, initially held passengers at gunpoint. It is regretted that ASI Tika Ram and three passengers were shot at. Constable Chetan Kumar got down near Dahisar and tried to flee after Alarm Chain Pulling. But, was arrested by RPF/Bhayandar along with the weapon,” the Western Railway spokesperson said.
The reason behind the incident was not known yet.