At least four army jawans were killed in a firing incident inside Punjab’s Bathinda military station in the early hours of Wednesday. The state police rejected the terror angle in the case and called it a “fratricidal incident”, as the attack was not from outside.
The firing was reported at 4:35 am, after which the station’s rapid response teams were activated and the area was cordoned off and sealed, the Army said in a statement.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has sought full details of the incident.
“It has been confirmed that in the unfortunate incident, four Army jawans of an artillery unit died of gunshot wounds during the incident. No other injuries to personnel or damage to property were reported,” Army’s statement said.
The area continues to be sealed off and the Army is conducting a joint investigation with the Punjab Police to establish the veracity of the case.
“All aspects are being sought, including the possible involvement of an Insus rifle and 28 rounds of ammunition reported missing two days ago,” the Army said.
Meanwhile, Punjab Additional Director General of Police, SPS Parmar told PTI over phone, “It is not a terrorist attack, it is not an attack from outside. It is a fratricide.”
According to the police, army personnel may be behind the incident, as the army does not allow the local police to enter the cantonment area.
The police, who were earlier barred from entering the cant area, was later allowed to visit the spot.
Earlier, the police said all the entrances to the Army Cantt were closed to prevent them from entering. They also said that about two days ago, an Insus rifle with 28 cartridges also went missing from the military station.