Daijiworld Media Network - Bijapur

Bijapur, Oct 2: A Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) constable was found dead after allegedly shooting himself with his service rifle at the force’s camp in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, police said on Friday.

The deceased was identified as 40-year-old Vijendra Thakur, who was posted with the sixth battalion at the CAF’s Sendra Camp under Farsegarh police station limits. He was a native of Devnagar village in Surajpur district.

According to Bijapur police, information about Thakur’s death was received on September 30. Police personnel reached the camp and initiated an investigation. A preliminary probe indicated that the death was a case of suicide, police said.

An accidental death report has been registered at Farsegarh police station and further investigation is underway. Police said further action would be taken based on evidence that emerges during the probe.

However, Thakur’s family members have alleged that he was murdered and staged a protest on Friday demanding justice. His body was placed on the Devnagar main road in Ramanujnagar development block of Surajpur, where family members and local residents gathered.

Thakur’s wife, Sarita, said she had spoken to him on the night of September 29 and noticed nothing unusual in his behaviour. She said the family was informed by the battalion the following morning that he had shot himself.

“He cannot shoot himself. I want justice,” she said, alleging that her husband had been murdered.

Thakur’s father, Lalji Thakur, also rejected the suicide claim and demanded an investigation. He said his son was the sole breadwinner of the family.

Sarita also expressed concern about the future of the couple’s two young sons, aged three and six, as well as the care of Thakur’s parents. The two children were present beside their father’s body during the protest.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and the circumstances surrounding Thakur’s death will be determined based on the facts and evidence gathered during the probe.