Army Jawan Stabbed in Train Scuffle Near Bikaner
An Indian Army jawan from Gujarat was allegedly stabbed to death by coach attendants aboard the Sabarmati Express following a heated altercation late Sunday night. The incident occurred between Lunkaransar and Bikaner stations in Rajasthan, police confirmed on Monday.
The victim, identified as Jigar Kumar, had boarded the Sabarmati Express from Firozabad and was en route to his hometown in Gujarat. During the journey, a dispute reportedly broke out between Kumar and the train’s coach attendants over an undisclosed issue. The argument soon escalated, leading to the fatal stabbing.
According to police officials, the attendants allegedly attacked Kumar with a sharp knife inside the moving train. Fellow passengers raised an alarm, and railway staff quickly alerted authorities at the next station.
Victim Declared Dead at Bikaner Trauma Centre
Kumar was immediately rushed to the PBM Trauma Centre in Bikaner after the train was halted. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival. Police officials confirmed that three coach attendants suspected of involvement in the attack have been detained for questioning.
“Prima facie, it appears to be a case of a scuffle that turned violent. The body has been sent for post-mortem, and further investigation is underway,” a senior police officer said. The authorities have also seized the knife allegedly used in the attack.
Following the incident, senior Army officials reached PBM Hospital late at night to assess the situation and coordinate with local police. Efforts are being made to transport the soldier’s body to his family in Gujarat.
Police Launch Investigation; Railway Security Under Scrutiny
The Bikaner police have registered a case of murder and are verifying CCTV footage from the train and nearby stations. Investigators are also questioning passengers who witnessed the altercation.
Officials from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) are conducting parallel inquiries to determine the sequence of events. The accused attendants, reportedly part of the catering or cleaning staff, are being interrogated to establish their roles.
This shocking incident has raised fresh concerns about passenger safety on long-distance trains, especially regarding the conduct and screening of on-board staff. Commuters have often complained about unregulated behaviour of train attendants and unauthorized personnel, particularly during night journeys.
Army and Railway Authorities Condemn the Incident
The Indian Army expressed deep condolences over the death of its soldier and demanded a thorough probe. “The loss of a young and dedicated soldier is a tragic reminder of the need for stronger passenger safety measures,” an Army spokesperson said.
Railway authorities have assured full cooperation with the police investigation. “Strict action will be taken against those responsible once the inquiry concludes,” a North Western Railway official added.
Local sources in Bikaner said additional security measures are being discussed, including enhanced surveillance and background checks for coach attendants working under private contractors.
Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability
The death of Jigar Kumar has sparked outrage among citizens and veterans’ groups, who are demanding accountability from railway contractors and authorities. Many have taken to social media to express anger over the lack of safety even for defence personnel traveling by train.
“The fact that an Army jawan could be killed so easily on a public train is shocking. The railways must act decisively,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Police officials said further details would be released after the forensic and post-mortem reports are finalized. Meanwhile, the detained attendants remain in custody as interrogation continues.