In the wake of the recent Jaipur-Mumbai train shooting involving Railway Protection Force (RPF) jawan Chetan Singh, the Railways has taken a significant step to restrict the use of sophisticated weapons like AK-47s or AR guns for personnel escorting the trains. Instead, the RPF will equip the escorting teams with light weapons. The Divisional Security Commissioner (DSC) of both Western and Central Railways made the decision jointly. However, the Railway Board will determine the final approval and issuance of a circular.
The move comes following the Jaipur-Mumbai train shooting incident, which raised concerns about the use of automatic weapons on regular train routes. As a result, there will be no personnel carrying such weapons on non-sensitive train routes. However, in areas deemed sensitive, with the potential threat of groups like Naxalites or other criminals, appropriate personnel with specific weapons will continue to be deployed as required.
In connection with the case involving RPF Chetan Singh, who was involved in the Jaipur shooting, a departmental inquiry has been initiated against two other RPF jawans who were present with him during the incident. According to sources within the RPF, these two jawans locked themselves in the toilet in fear after Chetan fired the shots. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the actions of the personnel involved.
Railways Withdraws Statement On 'Mental Condition' Of Accused RPF Constable
Railways issued a statement on Wednesday regarding the medical examination of RPF Constable Chetan Singh, who is accused of the Jaipur-Mumbai train shooting incident. However, the statement was later withdrawn just hours after its release.
In response to media reports suggesting that the constable suffered from "abnormal hallucinations" the Railways Ministry initially stated that no mental ailment or condition was detected and matter was being investigated by the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Borivali.
"It is stated that there is system of Periodical Medical Examination (PME) of Railway Protection Force constables, and in the last PME, no such medical ailment/ condition was detected," it said.
However, later in the evening, the statement was abruptly withdrawn, and a Railway spokesperson did not provide any further explanation for the retraction.
The incident, which occurred on July 31 at around 5:23 am, involved RPF train escort staff Constable Chetan Singh allegedly using his service ARM rifle (AK-47) to shoot his in-charge ASI Meena while on duty in the B-5 coach of the Jaipur-Mumbai Express at Vaitarna railway station. Tragically, three passengers were also killed in the shooting.