Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur

Raipur, Dec 22: A Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) constable allegedly shot his colleague dead inside a barrack camp during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday in Khairagarh district, around 130 km west of Raipur.

The incident took place at the 17th CAF battalion’s Ghagra base camp following an altercation between the two jawans. Police said the accused has been identified as Arvind Gautam, while the deceased was Sonbir Jaat, who was serving as a mess commander.

According to Khairagarh sub-divisional police officer Mamta Ali Sharma, the two had a heated argument late at night over an unspecified issue, which escalated into a scuffle. “Later, during his patrol duty around midnight, Gautam took the extreme step and shot Jaat with his INSAS rifle while he was sleeping inside the barrack. He died on the spot,” she said.

The firing incident triggered panic and shock among other personnel present in the camp.

The accused constable has been taken into custody and is being interrogated. Police said both Gautam and Jaat were natives of Uttar Pradesh.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the incident.