Asstt; Commandant, SI among those killed; 2009-batch Head Constable handed over to police
Internal inquiry ordered; circumstances behind altercation and firing under investigation: CISF
Srinagar| Sept, 29: Four Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, including an Assistant Commandant and a Sub-Inspector, were shot dead by a colleague following a verbal argument at a CISF camp linked to the Sewa-II Hydroelectric Project in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday evening, officials said.
The incident took place at around 7 pm when a 2009-batch Head Constable of the CISF allegedly opened fire following an altercation among the personnel over an issue, according to officials.
The four personnel sustained critical gunshot injuries and were initially rushed to the NHPC Hospital for treatment. However, all four later succumbed to their injuries, the CISF said.
The deceased have been identified as Assistant Commandant Ankit Kumar Pandey, Sub-Inspector Lakshman Singh, Constable Rafiq Ahmed and Constable Sandeep Kumar, according to the force.
Following the firing, the accused Head Constable was overpowered and subsequently handed over to the police. His service weapon was also seized, officials said.
The CISF said an internal inquiry is being set up to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to preliminary information, the firing followed a verbal argument between the personnel. However, the exact issue that triggered the altercation has not yet been established.
The CISF said the circumstances that led to the altercation and subsequent firing remain under investigation. Further details, including the sequence of events and the weapon used, are awaited.
Senior CISF and Jammu and Kashmir Police officials reached the site following the incident and began examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The accused Head Constable has been handed over to the police, while the CISF is conducting its internal inquiry. Investigators are examining the available evidence and statements of personnel present at the camp to establish the sequence of events.
Officials said the motive behind the firing has not been established so far and the investigation is continuing.
