Dantewada: A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan was injured from a round of his service AK-47 rifle on Friday in Chhattisgarh’s Naxal-infested Dantewada district today. Officials revealed that a probe was underway to find out if it was a suicide attempt or the weapon accidentally went off. The incident took place at around 10 AM in Sameli camp of CRPF’s 111th battalion, Dantewada ASP Rajendra Jaiswal said.
“As per preliminary information, Constable D John Raju allegedly shot himself with his AK-47 rifle when he was on security duty. He was rushed to Dantewada district hospital and later airlifted to Raipur for further treatment,” the official said. He further added that it was not clear at present if it was a suicide bid or the weapon went off accidentally.
Incidents have happened in the past. The number of suicides of CRPF jawans in the whole country has crossed two hundred. This is not the first incident of the suicide of soldiers. Earlier in 2016, 4 such cases have been found where jawans have opened fire on themselves. Satish, a dog handler of CRPF 231 Battalion posted in Kondapara committed suicide. Pavitra Yadav, head constable of 168 Battalion posted in Bijapur shot himself in the chest with AK 47. Jawan Tejveer Singh posted in Sukma committed suicide with a service revolver.