Two personnel of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) were killed and another was critically injured after a fellow officer allegedly opened fire at a sector headquarters in the eastern state of West Bengal, officials said on Friday.
Read More: SFJ Alleges Custodial Death of BSF Jawan in Amritsar, Announces
The incident took place at the BSF’s 17 Mile Sector Headquarters in Malda district, where the headquarters of the 119th and 71st battalions are located. According to initial reports, a soldier identified as Shivam Mishra, attached to the 119th Battalion, allegedly opened fire with his service rifle on personnel from the 71st Battalion while they were resting.
The sudden gunfire caused panic inside the security installation before fellow personnel managed to apprehend the suspect.
Officials said two BSF personnel died at the scene. The victims were identified as 51-year-old Ajay Kumar Singh from Bihar and 37-year-old Ambadas Suresh Dargu from Maharashtra. A third soldier, Vikas Verma, sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remains under medical treatment.
Authorities have taken the accused into custody and launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the shooting. Officials said the cause of the incident remains unclear, and investigators are examining whether personal disputes, work-related stress, mental health concerns or other factors may have contributed to the attack.
The Border Security Force has also initiated an internal inquiry into the incident.
In recent years, India’s security forces have reported several incidents involving alleged workplace stress, internal disputes, suicides and attacks involving service weapons. Such cases have renewed discussions about the mental health challenges faced by personnel serving in demanding operational environments.
Defence analysts have said incidents of this nature highlight the importance of strengthening psychological support systems, counselling services and welfare programmes for security personnel.
Read More: IFJHR reveals fact of 6th January 1993 Sopore Massacre
The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not announced whether additional charges will be filed against the accused pending the outcome of the inquiry. Authorities are expected to review the circumstances surrounding the shooting and assess any broader institutional issues that may have contributed to the tragedy.