Tragedy on Train: Army Soldier Stabbed Over Blanket Dispute

A tragic incident unfolded on November 2, 2025, when an Indian Army soldier was fatally stabbed by a railway coach attendant during a dispute over a blanket and bedsheet aboard a moving train in Rajasthan. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has intervened, calling for a fair investigation and appropriate action against the railway staff involved.

The victim, Jigar Chaudhary, an army jawan on leave, was en route to his home in Sabarmati, Gujarat, traveling on the 19224 Jammu Tawi–Sabarmati Express. He had taken a seat in the second non-AC sleeper coach at Firozpur station in Punjab when he made a request for a blanket and bedsheet from the coach attendant, Zubair Memon. Railway officials reported that Memon, a contractor employee, allegedly denied the request, which escalated into a heated confrontation.

This altercation turned deadly when Memon reportedly stabbed Chaudhary with a knife, resulting in the soldier’s tragic death. After the train reached Bikaner, the Government Railway Police filed a First Information Report (FIR) based on a complaint from the ticket examiner. The attendant was subsequently arrested, and the knife used in the attack was recovered. Memon has been dismissed from his position in the railway service.

In response to the incident, the NHRC sent notices to the Chairman of the Railway Board and the Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), requesting a comprehensive report on Memon’s employment history, qualifications, training, and police clearance. The Commission underscored that the allegations point to significant human rights violations and has mandated that authorities provide an action-taken report within two weeks.

The NHRC is advocating for justice for the fallen soldier and has pledged to hold the responsible railway personnel accountable, emphasizing the urgent need for robust safety and accountability standards for those working in passenger services.

This horrifying event has sparked serious concerns about safety on Indian railways and the vetting and oversight of railway personnel, especially those sourced through contractors. The investigation is ongoing, with the NHRC committed to monitoring the situation to ensure justice is achieved.