Army Soldier Stabbed to Death on Train Over Blanket, Bedsheet Dispute

In a shocking incident on November 2, 2025, an Indian Army soldier was fatally stabbed by a railway coach attendant during a heated argument over a blanket and bedsheet on a moving train in Rajasthan. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has now stepped in, demanding an impartial investigation and strict action against the railway personnel involved.

The victim, Jigar Chaudhary, an army jawan on leave, was traveling home to Sabarmati, Gujarat, aboard the 19224 Jammu Tawi–Sabarmati Express. He had boarded the second non-AC sleeper coach at Firozpur station in Punjab when he requested a blanket and bedsheet from the coach attendant, identified as Zubair Memon. According to railway officials, Memon, employed through a contractor, allegedly refused the request, which escalated into a heated argument.

The confrontation turned violent when Memon allegedly stabbed Chaudhary with a knife, leading to the soldier’s death. Upon arrival in Bikaner, the Government Railway Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on a complaint from the train ticket examiner. The accused attendant was arrested and the weapon used in the attack was recovered. Memon has since been removed from railway service.

Following the incident, the NHRC issued notices to the Chairman of the Railway Board and the Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), seeking a detailed report on the circumstances of Memon’s employment, qualifications, training, and police verification. The Commission emphasized that the allegations indicate serious human rights violations and has directed the authorities to submit an action-taken report within two weeks.

The NHRC also called for justice for the soldier and vowed to hold the responsible railway personnel accountable, highlighting the need for stringent safety and accountability measures for staff employed in passenger services.

This tragic incident has raised serious concerns about safety on Indian trains and the recruitment and supervision of railway staff, particularly those hired through contractors. Authorities continue to investigate the case, and the NHRC will monitor progress to ensure justice is served.