Mumbai: A sessions court on Thursday ordered the transfer of dismissed RPF constable and quadruple murder accused Chetansingh Choudhary to a mental health facility and sought specific opinion as to whether he is fit or unfit to stand trial and capable of conducting his defence.Choudhary had filed a bail plea claiming that his mental health was rapidly deteriorating. “Jail superintendent of Thane Central Prison is hereby directed to refer and admit accused…Choudhary to Thane Mental Hospital for better management and care and treatment till further order,” said the judge and directed the medical officer to submit a report every 15 days regarding his treatment. Last year too, Choudhary had spent several months in the facility and received treatment.So far, 18 witnesses have deposed during the trial.In his bail plea, the accused cited a prior four-month admission to Thane Mental Hospital following a “panic mental attack” while in custody. The defence said he had no knowledge of the crime due to “extreme mental strokes” and he suffers from “haunted illusions of a ghostly world”. The plea said he has no prior criminal history and his wife and two children are “anxiously waiting” for his release so he can receive the “love, need and care” required for recovery.On July 31, 2023, Choudhary allegedly gunned down his senior, ASI Tikaram Meena, and passenger Kadar Bhanpurwala in an express train between Vaitarna and Mira Road stations. He went to another coach, allegedly took passenger Syed Saifuddin to the pantry car and shot him. He then allegedly shot a third passenger, Asghar Shaikh, and gave a communally charged speech.The proceedings have been adjourned to April 8.
