Mental evaluation of RPF constable accused of killing 3 Muslims raises suspicions

The transfer of former Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable Chetansinh Chaudhary to a mental hospital in Thane, as directed by a Mumbai sessions court, raises suspicion of a possible attempt to influence the outcome of the case involving the targeted killing of three passengers and a senior colleague on a Jaipur-Mumbai train in 2023.

When Chaudhary was apprehended after the incident, it was attested that his mental health was sound, that he was not under the influence of any substance, and that his mental state was stable, as he had killed the three passengers after identifying them as Muslims.

The court's direction, based on a recommendation from doctors at a local hospital during a medical check-up, where they advised his transfer to a mental health facility in Nagpur, has raised suspicions of a possible overturn in the case, The Siasat Daily reported.

The prosecution, however, argued that Thane would be a more appropriate location due to the ongoing trial, as logistical challenges, including travel from Akola and internet disruptions during video conferencing, had already caused delays. The court agreed, considering the need to ensure smooth legal proceedings, and ordered that the accused be lodged in Thane jail during the evaluation period.

The case, which has seen testimony from two witnesses so far, revolves around the fatal shooting of four people, including an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of the RPF, aboard the Mumbai-Jaipur Superfast Express after it crossed Palghar Station in Maharashtra. The accused, armed with an automatic service rifle, reportedly acted following an argument that took on communal overtones.

Chaudhary’s family has claimed that he suffers from a mental health condition, specifically a delusional disorder, which they believe contributed to his actions. Videos recorded shortly after the attack captured his troubling statements.