Indian Army Soldier Fatally Stabbed on Train After Dispute Over Blanket: NHRC Demands Investigation

Army soldier Jigar Chaudhary (L) and the accused coach attendant Zubair Memon (R).

The National Human Rights Commission has called for a thorough and impartial investigation following the tragic killing of a soldier on a moving train in Rajasthan during a dispute over blankets and bedsheets. The human rights body has promised strict action against the railway staff involved and justice for the bereaved family of the soldier.

According to reports, a railway attendant allegedly stabbed the soldier during an argument that escalated rapidly.

Indian Army jawan Jigar Chaudhary was on leave and traveling to his home in Sabarmati, Gujarat on November 2 when the fatal incident occurred. He had boarded the second non-AC sleeper coach of the 19224 Jammu Tawi - Sabarmati Express from Firozpur station in Punjab. During his journey, Chaudhary requested a blanket and sheet from the coach attendant.

The attendant reportedly refused to provide the requested items, which led to an argument between them that quickly turned violent.

Upon arrival at Bikaner, the Government Railway Police filed a First Information Report (FIR) based on the ticket examiner's (TTE) complaint. A murder case has been registered against the accused.

The attendant, identified as Zubair Memon, has been arrested, and authorities have recovered the knife allegedly used in the attack.

Railways officials have confirmed that Zubair was employed through a contractor and has now been removed from service following the incident.

Responding to a complaint from the Sahyadri Rights Forum, a non-governmental organization, the NHRC has issued notices to both the Chairman of the Railway Board and the Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF).

The Commission has emphasized that the allegations contained in the complaint point to serious violations of human rights.

A bench led by Priyank Kanoongo has reviewed the case and demanded all documentation related to the hiring process, qualifications, training, and police verification of the accused coach attendant from the Railways.

Both the Railway Board and the RPF have been instructed to submit a comprehensive action-taken report to the Commission within a two-week timeframe.