Railway Firing Case: Court Directs Former RPF Constable’s Transfer to Thane Mental Hospital

Mumbai, January 21, 2025: A court on Tuesday directed that former RPF constable Chetansinh Chaudhary be referred to the Regional Mental Hospital in Thane for a medical evaluation. The decision followed a report from Akola prison authorities stating that Chaudhary was suffering from a mental health condition and required specialized treatment.

The court also ordered that Chaudhary, accused of a shocking shooting spree on the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express on July 31, 2023, be lodged in Thane jail during the medical examination. Chaudhary is alleged to have killed Assistant Sub-Inspector Tika Ram Meena, his senior colleague, and three passengers near Palghar railway station. He is currently held in Akola jail, located about 550 km from Mumbai.

Akola prison officials had informed the court about Chaudhary’s condition and recommended transferring him to a hospital in Nagpur for further treatment. However, the prosecution raised no objection to shifting him to Thane instead, citing the convenience of the ongoing trial.

Accepting the submission, Additional Sessions Judge N.L. More highlighted the challenges faced by the authorities in producing Chaudhary for court hearings from Akola jail. The judge noted that technical issues such as poor internet connectivity had hindered video conferencing, and physical transport was proving difficult.

“For the convenience of the trial and the well-being of the accused, it is necessary to refer him to a mental hospital in Thane for medical examination,” the court observed.

Chaudhary’s counsel, Advocate Jaywant Patil, requested that his client remain in Thane jail until further court orders. The court instructed jail authorities to ensure secure transportation of the accused from Akola to Thane, with all necessary precautions in place.

Chaudhary, aged 34, faces charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 302 (murder) and Section 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups), as well as provisions of the Railways Act and the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act. He was arrested shortly after the incident while attempting to escape. Passengers had pulled the train’s emergency chain, bringing it to a halt near Mira Road station, enabling Chaudhary’s capture with his weapon in possession.