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The accused sought bail citing mental instability, but prosecutors also opposed it, saying key witnesses remain under examination and the charges include offences punishable by death.

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The wife of one of the victims killed in the 2023 Jaipur–Mumbai train shooting has urged a Mumbai court to reject the bail plea of former Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable Chetansinh Chaudhary, arguing he was “of sound mind” at the time of the attack. 

Chaudhary is accused of shooting dead four persons on the Superfast Express in July 2023; fellow RPF Assistant Sub-Inspector Tikaram Meena and three Muslim passengers: Abdul Kaderbhai Bhanpurwala, Sadar Mohammed Hussain and Asghar Abbas Sheikh. Witnesses told investigators the constable walked through multiple coaches, asked passengers for their names and selected his victims. 

He faces charges of murder, kidnapping, promoting enmity and violations under the Arms Act. He was dismissed from service shortly after the incident. His trial began in the Dindoshi Sessions Court in November 2024. 

Chaudhary has sought bail on the grounds of mental instability, saying he spent four months in a Thane mental health facility. A previous plea on similar grounds was rejected in December 2023. 

Prosecutors opposed the latest application, saying key witnesses are still being examined and the allegations include offences carrying the death penalty. “The grounds in the bail application do not inspire confidence,” the state said in its reply. 

The wife of victim Asghar Abbas Sheikh, Umesa Khatoon, has intervened in the proceedings, claiming the killings were targeted. Her petition said Chaudhary had “searched for persons from the Muslim community” and argued the case fell within the “rarest of rare” category as an armed security officer allegedly turned on civilians. 

Khatoon said Chaudhary “committed cold-blooded murders” and was medically certified fit for duty. Sixteen witnesses have testified so far. The court is expected to hear the bail plea later this month.