Mumbai-Jaipur Train Firing Case: Mental Health Review Board Declares Accused RPF Constable Chetan Singh Chaudhary Fit For Trial

Mumbai: The Mental Health Review Board (MHRB), Thane, has informed the sessions court, which is hearing the trial, that RPF constable Chetan Singh Chaudhary – accused of killing four people on the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express in July 2023 – has now recovered from his mental health issues. This paves the way for the resumption of his trial.

The MHRB emailed the update to the court on Tuesday, stating that Chaudhary is mentally fit. Following this, the court asked public prosecutor Sudhir Sapkale whether the trial could now proceed and if a production warrant should be issued. However, defence lawyer Jaywant Patil requested time to consult Chaudhary’s family before moving forward.

“The board informed the court via email on Tuesday that Chaudhary is now fit. The prosecution also confirmed he is no longer under treatment. But we want to verify his condition personally before the case proceeds,” said Patil.

In December 2023, Akola prison authorities reported that Chaudhary’s mental condition had deteriorated and sought his transfer to Nashik Mental Hospital. However, the court directed his relocation to Thane Central Jail and instructed the Thane Mental Hospital to assess his condition. He was shifted there on February 20 after complaints of erratic behaviour and lack of cooperation.

A report submitted last month noted that on April 9, the MHRB found him unfit for discharge. However, his latest evaluation records major improvement: he is now cooperative, communicative, oriented, with improved behaviour, regular routine, and stable sleep and appetite. The board initially reserved its final opinion pending MRI and angiography reports.

The board clarified that at the time of admission, he had been referred to JJ Hospital’s neurology department, where MRI scans detected multiple microinfarcts in his brain. The court will decide the next steps at the hearing scheduled for July 17.

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According to the prosecution, on July 31, 2023, Chaudhary shot dead RPF Assistant Sub-Inspector Tika Ram Meena and three passengers aboard the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Express near Palghar. He allegedly killed two victims in the B5 coach, another in the pantry car, and the fourth in the S6 coach next to it. He was caught with his weapon after passengers pulled the emergency chain, halting the train near Mira Road station.