Indian Army Soldier Fatally Stabbed on Train Amid Blanket Dispute

Post by : Raina Nasser

A tragic event unfolded on November 2, 2025, when an Indian Army soldier was fatally stabbed by a railway attendant during a disagreement over a blanket and sheets on a moving train in Rajasthan. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has intervened, insisting on an impartial investigation and rigorous action against the railway employee involved.

The deceased, Jigar Chaudhary, was an army jawan on leave, en route to his home in Sabarmati, Gujarat, aboard the 19224 Jammu Tawi–Sabarmati Express. He had taken a seat in the second non-AC sleeper coach at Firozpur station in Punjab when he asked the attendant, Zubair Memon, for a blanket and bedsheet. Railway officials reported that Memon, hired through a contractor, refused the request, which led to a heated argument.

The situation escalated dramatically when Memon allegedly used a knife to stab Chaudhary, resulting in his death. Upon arriving in Bikaner, the Government Railway Police lodged a First Information Report (FIR) following a complaint from the train's ticket examiner. The attendant was arrested, and the knife used in the attack was recovered. He has since been dismissed from his position.

In the aftermath, the NHRC has dispatched notices to both the Chairman of the Railway Board and the Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), demanding a comprehensive report regarding Memon’s employment history, qualifications, training, and police verification. The Commission emphasized that the situation reflects severe human rights breaches and has mandated the submission of an action report within two weeks.

The NHRC has reiterated the necessity for justice for the fallen soldier and has pledged to ensure the railway staff involved are held responsible. This incident underscores significant issues regarding safety on Indian trains and the oversight of railway personnel, particularly those employed via contractors. Authorities are continuing their investigation, with the NHRC overseeing the proceedings to ensure justice is achieved.