Mumbai: The widow of Asghar Shaikh, one of the Muslim passengers killed in the Jaipur–Mumbai Superfast Express shooting in July 2023, has opposed the bail plea of dismissed RPF constable Chetan Singh Chaudhary. She said his claim of mental instability does not hold because he selected passengers after checking their clothes and confirming they were Muslims before shooting them.
Chaudhary is accused of killing Assistant Sub Inspector Tikaram Meena from a tribal community and three Muslim passengers. The prosecution describes the incident as a targeted attack based on identity. He has sought bail on grounds of delusional disorder. The prosecution and Shaikh’s widow opposed the plea and said key witnesses are still being examined. They said the charges involve offences that attract the death penalty.
The opposition to bail highlighted that Chaudhary’s earlier plea on mental health grounds was rejected in December 2023. His current claim rests on a four month admission in a mental health institute. The prosecution said he has produced no proof of unsoundness of mind and is relying on information accessed online.
Sixteen witnesses have deposed so far. They include an RPF head constable. The intervener’s reply said this case falls in the rarest of rare category because Chaudhary was tasked with passenger safety yet targeted passengers. It noted from the chargesheet that he moved across coaches to identify Muslim passengers.
A Mira Road constable testified on Monday. He said Chaudhary threatened him while walking on the tracks with a rifle after the train’s alarm chain was pulled. The bail plea will be heard later this month.
