Srinagar: A constable died on Tuesday after sustaining a firearm injury while on duty in Shopian district, said officials.

Officials said a police constable lost his life after sustaining injuries two days ago in an accidental incident.

The constable was a resident of Noorpora village in Shopian district. He was initially referred to SKIMS Soura in Srinagar from the Army’s Base Hospital Badami Bagh Cantonment after being injured in Shopian.

Accidental Discharge During Duty

He had sustained a gunshot wound to the right side of his abdomen when a colleague accidentally discharged a firearm during duty.

He was admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) at SKIMS Soura for treatment, but passed away despite the best efforts of the attending doctors.

More details are awaited.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the accidental discharge.

Injuries and deaths due to accidental firing during discharge of duties have occurred in the past as well in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have initiated inquiries into such accidents earlier too, and during training and refresher courses, deployed personnel are trained to exercise utmost caution while handling firearms.

Security Forces on High Alert in Region

The J&K Police and security forces are deployed for maintaining law and order and carrying out anti-terror operations against terrorists, over-ground workers (OGWs), and networks involved in drug smuggling and hawala rackets.

The Army and the Border Security Force (BSF) are also deployed along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border to prevent infiltration, smuggling, and drone activities originating from across the border.