A Muslim woman passenger, who testified in the case of RPF constable Chetansinh Chaudhary, accused of a violent rampage on a train in July 2023, claimed in court that he forced her to chant “Jai Mata Di” at gunpoint. The incident, which took place near Palghar in Maharashtra, resulted in the deaths of three Muslim men and a colleague from the tribal community.
While on escort duty, Chaudhary allegedly fired 12 rounds from his automatic service rifle aboard the Jaipur–Mumbai Central Superfast Express. The 33-year-old woman, presenting her account before Additional Sessions Judge Y.B. Pathan, recounted how Chaudhary pointed his rifle at her while demanding she chant the invocation, threatening her with violence if she failed to comply.
Traveling with her two children, she stated that Chaudhary targeted her specifically because she was dressed in a burqa, issuing his threats in Hindi. According to her testimony, he said, “If you want to stay in this country, you will have to say Jai Mata Di.” Initially complying in a low voice, she was pressured to repeat the chant loudly. When she attempted to grab the rifle to defuse the situation, Chaudhary warned her not to touch the weapon, stating he would shoot if she did.
During cross-examination, the woman affirmed her account, insisting her attire was a crucial factor in Chaudhary’s targeting of her. Chaudhary is alleged to have killed his superior, Assistant Sub-Inspector Tikaram Meena, alongside the three Muslim passengers: Abdul Kaderbhai Bhanpurwala, Sadar Mohammed Hussain, and Asghar Abbas Sheikh. He was apprehended near the tracks following the incident and has remained in custody since.
Other witnesses indicated that Chaudhary had moved through multiple train coaches to choose his victims, inquiring about their names before committing the acts. He faces charges under the Indian Penal Code for murder, as well as under the Arms Act. Additional charges of kidnapping and promoting hostility based on religion were subsequently filed against him. Following these events, he was dismissed from the Railway Protection Force.
Tags: targeted killings, Jaipur Express, Muslim woman, gunpoint, accused cop
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