Mumbai train firing: PUCL Maharashtra urges action against hate speech, communal propaganda

Police personnel inspect the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Express on board which a Railway Protection Force (RPF) jawan shot dead four people near Palghar railway station, in Mumbai on July 31, 2023. Photo: PTI

The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) Maharashtra has expressed deep concern over the "hate killings" by Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable Chetan Singh. The constable allegedly killed his superior officer and three Muslim passengers onboard the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Express on July 31, 2023.

PUCL Maharashtra in a statement highlighted the alarming influence of unchecked communal hate propaganda on individuals, even police officers responsible for maintaining law and order. The statement called for urgent action to curb hate speech, hold perpetrators accountable, ensure justice for the victims, and promote communal harmony.

The top rights group demanded a fair and impartial investigation by a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) or independent agency. It urged the inclusion of all evidence, including a video in which the constable delivers an Islamophobic rant.

PUCL Maharashtra also called for the application of relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and strict implementation of Supreme Court orders against hate speech. They emphasize the need for sensitization sessions for police and security forces to uphold the values of the Indian Constitution.

It condemned the incident and its larger implications for communal harmony and the social fabric of the state. The statement underscores the importance of maintaining a plural and secular society while protecting citizens from hate-driven violence.

Also read: ‘RPF constable is of sound mind, hates Muslims'

PUCL Maharashtra demands the following:

1. Establishment of a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) or an independent agency to investigate the hate killings thoroughly and without external influence. Reports should be regularly submitted to the court to ensure a fair investigation, especially considering that the accused is a police officer.
2. Impartial collection of evidence, including a video taken by a fellow passenger capturing the accused delivering an Islamophobic rant. The case must be prosecuted effectively and based on strong evidence.
3. Investigation into the sources of hate propaganda the accused was exposed to, including any affiliations with organizations promoting hatred based on religious identities.
4. Application of relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), such as 153A, 153B, 295A, and 505, in the case.
5. Expedited trial of the case on a day-to-day basis to ensure swift justice.
6. Witness protection and safety measures for the families of the victims.
7. Adequate compensation and livelihood support for the victims' families by the Railway authorities and government.
8. Immediate and comprehensive action to prevent the spread of hate speech and communal propaganda. Authorities must investigate and prosecute incidents of hate speech at rallies and public events in Maharashtra.
9. Periodic checks to identify biases, prejudices, and hate among police and security forces. Immediate action to remove personnel exposed to hate propaganda to prevent such incidents from recurring.
10. Regular sensitivity sessions for police and security forces to promote constitutional values of equality, non-discrimination, secularism, unity, and fraternity.