New Delhi: The Bathinda military station in Punjab was rocked by a shooting incident on Wednesday firing, resulting in death of 4 Indian Army jawans.
The shooting incident was initially believed to an act of terror, however, now it’s getting increasingly clear that it was an incident of fratricide at the Army camp.
Punjab police officials have ruled out any terror angle behind the killing of jawans, with state’s senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gulneet Karnala telling a news channel that “it was certainly not a terrorist act”.
“Matter is under investigation. We are in constant touch with the authorities of the military station for an in-depth probe,” SSP told newsmen.
A detailed investigation is underway with much of the area cordoned off, while combing operation underway.
Latest developments in Bathinda firing case
The firing which took place at around 4.35 AM in morning led to gunshot injury to 4 Army jawans. They later succumbed to their injuries.
Briefing about the incident, the South Western Command confirmed the demise of 4 soldiers but didn’t give details of shootout or the circumstances that led to their killing.
#WATCH | “It is a matter of an internal fight. I have spoken to SSP and investigation is underway,” says Punjab Minister Anmol Gagan Maan on Bathinda Military Station firing incident pic.twitter.com/nCgZetUKiJ
— ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2023
One of the most confounding facts about the incident is rifle going missing from a guard room. News agency ANI reported, citing sources, that some rounds went missing from an Army unit, days before the shootout.
“All aspects, including possible case of involvement of an INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) rifle along with 28 rounds reported missing two days back, are being ascertained,” the Army said in a statement.
The area which saw ‘indiscriminate’ shooting has been sealed and combing operation is going underway. Punjab Police has joined the investigations to identify & nab role of any civilian, if involved.
For the unversed, Bathinda station is the one of the largest military base of Indian Army in Asia and is home to the army’s HQs 10 Corps.
