4 shot dead inside moving train in India

A Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable shot dead three passengers and an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) on board a Mumbai-bound train between the Vapi and Palghar stations in Indian state of Maharashtra early Monday, reports The Indian Express.

According to officials, the accused RPF constable, identified as Chetan Kumar, has been arrested by the Government Railway Police (GRP).

A source said, prima facie, Kumar fired the shots after he got into an argument with Tika Ram over some personal and professional issues. “Kumar and his senior ASI Tika Ram were deployed in the train for security during which the firing incident took place after an argument between Kumar and Ram,” added the source.

According to railway officials, the incident took place at 5.23 am on Train No 12956, Jaipur-Mumbai Superfast Express, when escorting staff constable Chetan Kumar shot at his colleague escort in charge ASI Tika Ram and other three passengers.

Before shooting Tika Ram, Kumar had held the passengers at gunpoint in coach B5, the railway officials added.

“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 pulling the alarm chain. But, he was arrested by RPF Bhayandar along with the weapon,” said an official.

Out of three civilians who passed away, two have been identified as Abdul Kadir and Asgar.

“Our probe is on and we are questioning the accused and other passengers to ascertain the exact reason and sequence of events,” added the official.

“The families of the deceased persons are being contacted and the ex gratia amount will be given to them,” said an RPF officer.

Western Railway CPRO Sumit Thakur said that ASI Ram’s family will get over Rs 61 lakh as compensatory amount. This includes ex gratia of Rs 25 lakh, Railway Suraksha Kalyan Nidhi amount of Rs 15 lakh, funeral expenses amounting to Rs 20,000, approximately Rs 15 lakh as Death Cum Retirement Gratuity (DCRG), approximately Rs 65,000 in GIS and Rs 5,93,000 as leave amount.