Introduction: The Jaipur-Mumbai Train Tragedy
On July 31, 2023, a horrific incident unfolded aboard the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express, where Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable Chetan Singh shot dead his senior officer and three passengers, all visibly Muslim. The killings, marked by a chilling video where Singh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, sparked outrage and debate: Was Chetan Singh a terrorist, or was this the act of a mentally unstable individual? This blog examines Singh’s background, the incident, and why labeling it as terrorism remains contentious, with a focus on Godi Media’s role in shaping narratives.
Who Was Chetan Singh?
Chetan Singh, a 33-year-old RPF constable from Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, joined the force in 2009 after his father’s death. Posted in Mumbai’s Lower Parel workshop at the time of the incident, Singh had a history of disciplinary issues:
- Prior Incidents: In 2016, Singh assaulted and harassed a Muslim auto driver in Ujjain, calling him a “terrorist.” An inquiry confirmed the allegations, leading to his transfer and a six-month salary freeze.
- Temperament: Colleagues described Singh as short-tempered and prone to disputes, including an assault on a coworker and misuse of a colleague’s ATM card.
Singh’s family claimed he suffered from mental health issues, citing a “blood clot in the brain” and ongoing treatment. However, a police charge sheet later deemed him “completely sane,” relying on over 150 witness statements and train surveillance footage.
The Jaipur-Mumbai Train Shooting: What Happened?
Around 5 a.m. on July 31, 2023, near Palghar, Maharashtra (not Uttar Pradesh, as sometimes misreported), Singh fired 12 rounds from his service rifle, killing:
- Tika Ram Meena, his senior officer, in coach B-5 after a reported argument.
- Abdul Kader Mohammed Hussain Burhanpurwala, 60, in the same coach.
- Sardar Mohammed Hussain, in the pantry car.
- Asghar Abbas Ali, 35, in coach S-6.
All three passengers were bearded Muslims, and Singh’s actions appeared targeted. In a video verified by Al Jazeera, he stood over a victim’s body, saying, “If you want to live in India, it’s only Modi and Yogi,” and ranted about Pakistan and the media. After the killings, Singh tried to flee but was arrested at Borivali station.
Was Chetan Singh a Terrorist?
The question of whether Singh’s actions constitute terrorism is complex and polarizing:
- Arguments for Labeling It Terrorism:
- Targeted Violence: Singh selectively killed Muslim passengers, bypassing others, suggesting a hate-driven motive. Posts on X and statements by MP Asaduddin Owaisi called it a “terror attack targeting Muslims.”
- Hate Speech: His video rant, invoking Modi and Yogi while disparaging Muslims and Pakistan, aligns with extremist rhetoric.
- Legal Charges: Singh was charged under IPC Section 153A for promoting enmity on religious grounds, alongside murder and Arms Act violations.
- Arguments Against:
- Mental Health Claims: Singh’s family and legal team claimed he suffered from a “delusional disorder” and was “not in consciousness” during the act. However, police refuted this, citing his calculated movements across coaches.
- Official Narrative: Authorities initially avoided the terrorism label, focusing on mental distress or workplace grievances. The motive remains under investigation, with no clear ideological affiliation established.
- Media Framing: Outlets labeled as Godi Media downplayed the communal angle, emphasizing Singh’s alleged instability rather than hate-driven intent.
Terrorism typically involves organized, ideologically motivated violence to instill fear. While Singh’s actions were calculated and hateful, the lack of a clear terrorist group affiliation and conflicting mental health claims muddy the label. Still, the targeted nature of the killings and his inflammatory rhetoric resonate with hate crime characteristics, if not formal terrorism.
Godi Media’s Role: Why the Muslim Angle Was Downplayed
Godi Media, a term for outlets perceived as pro-government, faced criticism for framing the incident as a mental health issue rather than a hate crime. This aligns with broader accusations of bias:
- Selective Reporting: By focusing on Singh’s alleged instability, these outlets avoided deeper discussions about communal hatred, potentially to align with political narratives.
- Minimizing Communal Tensions: Labeling the act as terrorism or a hate crime could inflame divisions, so emphasizing mental health may have been a strategic choice to defuse public outrage.
- Contrast with Other Cases: Critics note that similar incidents involving Muslim perpetrators are often quickly branded as terrorism, revealing a double standard.
This framing risks alienating communities and eroding trust in media. As one X post noted, “The killer absorbed hate against Muslims through Noida channels,” pointing to the media’s role in shaping divisive mindsets.
The Human Cost and Aftermath
The victims’ families were left devastated. Kadar Bhanpurawala son, Hussain, plans to leave India, citing safety concerns. “If Singh was mentally ill, why did he only target bearded passengers?” he questioned. Saifuddin’s brother emphasized his brother’s dreams for his daughters, now shattered.
Singh was dismissed from the RPF, charged with murder, and faces trial. His bail plea, citing mental illness, was filed, but the court has yet to rule. The incident fueled debates about hate speech, media polarization, and systemic biases in India’s security and justice systems.
Conclusion: A Call for Truth and Accountability
Chetan Singh’s actions on the Jaipur-Mumbai train were undeniably horrific, targeting Muslim passengers in a calculated act of violence. Whether he was a terrorist or a disturbed individual, the incident exposes deeper issues of hate, media bias, and societal division. Godi Media’s reluctance to call it a hate crime underscores the need for responsible journalism that prioritizes facts over agendas.
As a nation, India deserves media that fosters unity, not discord. Let’s demand accountability from outlets and authorities alike, ensuring justice for the victims and a commitment to healing divides. What do you think about the media’s handling of this case? Share your thoughts below!
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