Bikaner: A 27-year-old Army jawan from Gujarat was tragically killed aboard the Jammu Tawi–Sabarmati Expressearlier this week after an altercation with train attendants escalated into violence, officials said. The victim, Jigar Kumar Chaudhary, was returning home to Gujarat during his vacation following a field posting.

The incident occurred on Sunday night as the train was passing through Bikaner district in Rajasthan. According to preliminary reports, the dispute reportedly began over seating arrangements, though some sources suggested that the altercation involved blankets and sheets. What started as a verbal disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation, during which Chaudhary was allegedly attacked with a knife by one of the attendants, identified as Zubair Memon.

After the train reached Bikaner, Chaudhary was immediately rushed to Prince Bijay Singh Memorial (PBM) Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, leaving family members, colleagues, and fellow passengers in shock.

Authorities from the Railway Police and Government Railway Police (GRP) acted swiftly, detaining several train attendants for questioning. During investigations, officials recovered a knife from the sleeper coach, which is suspected to have been used in the attack. “Statements of passengers are being recorded, and interrogation of the detained attendants is underway,” a GRP officer told Ahmedabad Mirror, adding that a thorough investigation into the sequence of events is ongoing.

The case has attracted nationwide attention due to the victim’s military background and the circumstances under which the tragedy occurred. Jigar Kumar Chaudhary, like many young Army personnel, had been serving on the frontlines before returning home for a brief period of leave. His untimely death has sparked outrage, particularly over the safety of passengers and the recruitment and training standards for railway attendants.

NHRC Steps In

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of the incident and issued notices to senior railway authorities, signaling the gravity of the case. NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo condemned the incident, stating, “Nothing is more disgraceful than being unable to protect the country’s army men. Such criminals should have no place in society.”

Notices have been issued to the Chairman of the Railway Board and the Director-General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), requesting clarification regarding the recruitment process, qualification criteria, skill assessments, and police verification procedures for railway attendants. The NHRC’s inquiry aims to ensure that proper checks were in place to prevent such individuals from being employed in sensitive positions that involve interaction with passengers, particularly armed forces personnel.

Kanoongo emphasized the broader implications of the incident, urging railway authorities to ensure rigorous recruitment standards and proper training to prevent future tragedies. He also highlighted the need for accountability within the railways to maintain safety and security standards for all passengers.

Investigation Underway

Meanwhile, railway and police officials continue to investigate the incident in depth. Witness statements are being collected to ascertain the exact sequence of events, including the reason for the initial dispute and the actions of both the victim and the attendants. Authorities are examining surveillance footage from the train and reviewing the conduct and past records of the involved attendants.

The GRP has confirmed that multiple attendants have been detained for questioning, and further action will depend on the outcome of ongoing investigations. The recovery of the knife from the coach is expected to provide crucial evidence in piecing together the chain of events that led to Chaudhary’s death.

Public Reaction

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation across social media and news platforms, with citizens and former military personnel expressing shock and concern over the safety of armed forces members while traveling. Many have called for stricter safety protocols and background verification for railway employees, particularly those interacting with the public in sensitive roles.

Chaudhary’s family, currently grieving the sudden loss, has urged the authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, holding the perpetrators accountable. Senior Army officials have reportedly been in touch with the family, offering support and assistance during this difficult time.

Safety Concerns in Rail Travel

This tragic event has reignited concerns over safety standards on Indian Railways. While isolated incidents of violence have occurred in the past, the killing of an Army jawan on a moving train underscores vulnerabilities in passenger security. Experts suggest the need for additional measures, including enhanced surveillance, better conflict resolution training for attendants, and stricter recruitment processes with thorough background checks.

The NHRC’s involvement in seeking details about recruitment, qualifications, and police verification marks a critical step toward ensuring accountability. Authorities are expected to provide a detailed report outlining the criteria used in hiring railway attendants and steps taken to prevent violent behavior onboard trains.

Conclusion

The death of Jigar Kumar Chaudhary has shocked the nation and highlighted the importance of maintaining stringent safety protocols on Indian Railways, particularly for passengers serving in the armed forces. As investigations continue and the NHRC monitors the situation closely, authorities face the challenge of restoring public confidence in railway safety, ensuring justice for the deceased, and preventing such tragic incidents from recurring in the future.