Disgraced RPF constable Chetan Singh opened fire on passengers and a senior officer in the Jaipur-Mumbai train firing incident. An eyewitness woman testified that he pointed his rifle at her and demanded she chant ‘Jai Mata Di’ because she was wearing a burqa.
Mumbai: The firing incident on the Jaipur-Mumbai Express train on July 31, 2023, instilled terror among passengers. Disgraced RPF constable Chetan Singh is accused of murdering four people and threatening passengers in this case. During the ongoing court hearing, a key eyewitness woman testified, stating that Chetan pointed his rifle at her and forced her to chant ‘Jai Mata Di’. This testimony is considered crucial in understanding the premeditation of the incident and the accused's behavior.
Rifle Pointed at Woman Wearing Burqa
The eyewitness woman stated that on the night of July 30, 2023, she was traveling from Ratlam to Mumbai with her two children. They were seated in coach number 813 of the Anuppur-Mumbai Superfast Express. Around 5:30 AM, as the woman was getting up to freshen up and change, Chetan Singh entered her compartment with his weapon.
The woman alleged that Chetan pointed his rifle at her and said that if she did not chant ‘Jai Mata Di’, she would be shot. Frightened, the woman complied, but Chetan insisted she repeat it. The woman gathered courage, held the tip of the rifle, and questioned him, after which Chetan backed away and moved towards another compartment, issuing threats.
Attack on Passengers and Officers
The eyewitness reported that Chetan then opened fire on his senior officer and three other passengers, creating an atmosphere of panic in the compartment. Passengers managed to pull the alarm chain, stopping the train at Mira Road station, and Chetan Singh was apprehended.
This incident clearly indicates that Chetan Singh spread terror and instilled fear in passengers through premeditation. The eyewitness's testimony has shed light on the accused's aggressive and controlling behavior prior to the incident.
Woman's Testimony in Court
In court, the woman detailed how Chetan coerced her into chanting ‘Jai Mata Di’ by threatening her. The testimony also revealed that the case raises questions about communal remarks and personal premeditation. The court deemed the eyewitness's testimony significant and made it an important part of the investigation process.
The trial is ongoing, with statements from several eyewitnesses being recorded. Chetan has made claims related to his mental health, but his bail plea has been rejected. The court is investigating the actual motive behind the firing and the threats made against passengers.
