Bettiah/ Patna: A constable was shot dead by a fellow policeman inside the police barracks in Bettiah, West Champaran, late on Saturday night, triggering panic across the police line.
The deceased, identified as Constable Sonu Kumar, was allegedly gunned down by his colleague Sarvjeet, who fired at least 11 rounds from his INSAS rifle, several of them into Sonu’s head, according to local media reports. The incident occurred around midnight, while most personnel were asleep.
Sonu Kumar died on the spot. His body was later sent to Sadar Hospital for postmortem. A forensic team recovered 12 empty cartridges from the scene, confirming the scale of the firing.
After the shooting, Sarvjeet reportedly climbed to the rooftop of the barracks, still armed with the rifle, prompting senior officers to sound the emergency ‘mad bell’ to alert the entire police line. It took considerable effort to subdue and disarm him. He was eventually taken into custody and the weapon was seized.
The exact motive behind the shooting is yet to be confirmed. However, preliminary information suggests a personal dispute between the two constables may have led to the attack. “We are investigating all possible angles,” said SP Dr Shaurya Suman, who reached the site shortly after the incident. SDPO Vivek Deep also confirmed the arrest and said that the interrogation of the accused is ongoing.
DIG Harikishore Rai of Champaran Range visited the police line on Sunday morning and is personally overseeing the investigation.
The rare and disturbing act of violence within the police ranks has raised serious concerns about discipline and mental health support among personnel.
