Bihar cop accidentally shoots self with illegal pistol, covers it up as attack
An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) in Bihar's Darbhanga, who was earlier reported to have been shot by criminals during a police patrol, was actually injured by a bullet fired from his own illegal pistol, Senior SP Jagunath Reddy revealed on Thursday. The ASI was carrying the unauthorised weapon alongside his government-issued service revolver when it accidentally went off and hit his foot.
The incident took place on November 5 during a daytime patrol in the Sakhatpur police station area. The injured officer, identified as Randhir Kumar, was rushed to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), where he is still undergoing treatment.
The revelation came after a detailed police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. According to the SSP, Kumar had been carrying an illegal pistol while on duty, and the bullet that injured him was fired from this weapon, not by an unidentified criminal as initially reported.ILLEGAL PISTOL HIDDEN AT POLICE STATION
The investigation also revealed that after being injured, the ASI hid the illegal pistol inside the police station. The weapon was subsequently recovered and seized by the police during the probe.
An FIR has been registered against Kumar under the Arms Act for possessing the illegal firearm. He has also been suspended with immediate effect, while the process to arrest him is underway, the SSP said.
Action has also been taken against other members of the patrol team for concealing facts related to the incident.
Driver constable Nilesh Kumar and woman constable Madhu Kumari have been suspended. Meanwhile, recommendations for disciplinary action against home guard personnel Laxman Paswan and woman home guard Chandan Kumari have been sent to Darbhanga District Magistrate Kaushal Kumar.
The police are also examining the role and possible involvement of other personnel deployed with the patrol team.SSP HAD ORDERED DETAILED PROBE AFTER NOVEMBER 5 INCIDENT
The shooting had triggered concern within the police department when reports emerged on November 5 that ASI Randhir Kumar had been shot by a criminal while on patrol in the Sakhatpur police station area.
Taking note of the incident, SSP Jagunath Reddy had personally visited the spot and ordered a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
However, the investigation has now established that the injury was caused by the ASI's own illegal weapon. The findings have also led to action against the officer and other members of the patrol team over alleged concealment of facts.
Kumar continues to receive treatment at DMCH, while the police are proceeding with his arrest and further investigating the role of the other personnel involved in the patrol.- Ends(With inputs from Prahalad Kumar)
