Taloja Jail officials in Navi Mumbai have denied former RPF constable Chetansinh Chaudhary’s transfer request from Akola Jail, citing overcrowding and logistical issues. Chaudhary, accused of murdering his colleague and three passengers on a train, argued that the distance complicates court attendance. The court will address the matter again on January 9, 2025.
Navi Mumbai: The authorities at Taloja Jail in Navi Mumbai have opposed the plea by former RPF constable Chetansinh Chaudhary seeking a transfer from Akola Jail. They cited overcrowding and logistical challenges as reasons to dismiss his request.
Chaudhary is accused of killing his senior colleague, Assistant Sub-Inspector Tika Ram Meena, and three passengers aboard the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express near Palghar on July 31, 2023. After committing the crime, he was arrested near the railway tracks and has been in jail since then.
Through his lawyer, Advocate Jayawant Patil, Chaudhary filed an application requesting a transfer to Taloja Jail in Navi Mumbai. He argued that being 550 kilometers away in Akola Jail makes it difficult for him to attend court proceedings conveniently.
On Friday, the court received an email response from Taloja Jail authorities explaining why the request should be denied. They stated that the prison is “very sensitive” and already over capacity, making it impossible to accommodate new inmates.
- The jail has a capacity of 1,900 undertrials but is currently housing 2,800 inmates.
- The authorities pointed out that many prisoners under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) are lodged there, and they frequently misbehave with staff and engage in fights.
- Structural audits have further reduced available space as some barracks have been left vacant.
- They also mentioned a shortage of staff to escort Chaudhary to and from court hearings if he were transferred.
Chetansinh Chaudhary faces serious charges under multiple laws:
- Indian Penal Code (IPC): Section 302 (Murder) and Section 153-A (Promoting enmity between groups on the basis of religion, race, etc.)
- Railways Act
- Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act
The court has taken the jail’s response into consideration and will hear the matter further on January 9, 2025.
The incident, which occurred on the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express, shocked the nation due to its brutal nature. The authorities have assured that the case will proceed with due diligence despite logistical challenges.
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