Two BSF men killed in colleague's gunfire near Bangladesh border

The incident took place on Thursday afternoon at the headquarters of the BSF's 119 and 71 Battalions in Bidhannagar under Baishnabnagar, adjacent to the Chapainawabganj border

Two members of India's Border Security Force (BSF) were killed and another seriously injured after a fellow jawan allegedly opened fire at a BSF camp in West Bengal's Malda district, near the Bangladesh border.

The incident took place on Thursday afternoon at the headquarters of the BSF's 119 and 71 Battalions in Bidhannagar under Baishnabnagar, adjacent to the Chapainawabganj border, according to Indian media reports.

BSF sources identified the accused as Shivam Mishra, a resident of Chhattisgarh. He allegedly opened fire on his colleagues without warning, killing two personnel on the spot and critically injuring another.

The deceased were identified as Ajay Kumar Singh, 51, from Manjhi in Bihar's Saran district, and Ambadas Suresh Dargu, 37, from Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra.

The injured jawan, Vikas Brahma, 44, a resident of Mohanda village under Polba Police Station in West Bengal's Hooghly district, was admitted to Malda Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

All three victims were members of the BSF's 71 Battalion.

According to BSF sources, Mishra had previously been punished under the force's internal disciplinary rules about a year ago over allegations of firing at fellow personnel. His punishment had reportedly ended only a few days earlier, and preparations were under way to send him home when Thursday's shooting occurred.

Police at Baishnabnagar Police Station have launched an investigation into the incident. Malda Superintendent of Police Anupam Singh said investigators were examining the circumstances and motive behind the shooting.

Separately, BSF Malda Sector Deputy Inspector General Surendra Kumar Jha said the force had also initiated a departmental inquiry.

The shooting has triggered concern in the Baishnabnagar area near the Bangladesh border.

Source: Anandabazar Patrika