**Can Ex-RPF Cop Be Transferred to Mental Hospital? Jail Seeks Court’s Decision**
**Mumbai, January 10, 2025, 03:00 AM IST** – The mental health of RPF constable Chetan Singh Chaudhary is once again under scrutiny as he faces trial for the tragic shooting of four individuals on a train in July 2023.
**Jail Requests Court Decision**
Chaudhary, accused of fatally shooting his senior officer and three passengers, identified as Muslim, is currently held at Akola Central Jail since September 2023. Recently, the jail sent a letter to the Sessions Court overseeing Chaudhary’s case, seeking permission to transfer him to the Regional Mental Hospital in Nagpur for treatment.
**Medical Evaluation Raises Concerns**
The request came after Chaudhary was taken to Akola Government Hospital on December 19 due to feeling unwell. The examining doctor recommended mental health treatment, prompting the jail to seek a transfer to the mental hospital. Additional public prosecutor, Sudhir Sapkale, suggested treatment at the Regional Mental Hospital in Thane to ensure Chaudhary’s presence during the trial proceedings.
**Strong Objections and Legal Battle**
However, Fazlurrahman Shaikh from the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) strongly opposed Chaudhary’s transfer for mental treatment. Shaikh referenced Chaudhary’s own doctor’s assessment, included in the charge sheet, indicating no mental health issues. Shaikh argued that Chaudhary was attempting to gain sympathy and urged the court to deny the jail’s request.
**Legal History and Witness Testimony**
Initially, Chaudhary’s defense claimed “partial insanity” and being “of unsound mind” when seeking bail in December 2023, which was rejected by the court. The trial also heard from prosecution witness Atul Bangera, who provided critical evidence linking Chaudhary to the crime scene through recovered bullets and broken watch parts.
As the legal battle unfolds, Chaudhary’s mental health status remains a pivotal issue in determining his fate. Will the court approve his transfer to a mental hospital or uphold his current detention at the jail? The decision holds significant implications for the ongoing trial and the quest for justice for the victims and their families.
