Srinagar, April 28: In a case of fratricide, an Army jawan allegedly went on a shooting spree killing four of his colleagues and injuring another inside a camp in Bijbehara area of Anantnag district in the wee hours today.
The jawan, who was arrested soon after the incident, fired at his colleagues at the 42 Rashtriya Rifles camp at Bijbehara, 45 kms from here.
Giving details, Defence Spokesman Lt Col J S Brar said, “In an unfortunate incident today morning, Havildar Abhay Kumar, for unexplained reasons, fired at his own colleagues resulting in the death of one Junior Commissioned Officer and three other ranks.
“In addition, one jawan sustained gun shot wounds. He was evacuated to the hospital and is out of danger. Havildar Abhay was overpowered by jawans and is presently in military custody,” he said.
A high-level Court of Inquiry has been instituted to ascertain the facts of the case, the spokesman said.
Asked whether this was a stress-related case, Lt Col Brar said, “This incident is an aberration, being the first in the last two years”.
“The Army over the past few years has institutionalised stress management measures such as constant counselling by superiors and religious teachers, regular rest, yoga and other such means,” he said.
He said in the instant case, it will be ensured that the truth comes to light and suitable measures shall be instituted to prevent any re-occurrence of such incidents.
This is the first incident of fratricide in the Army in the Valley in the past nearly two years.
—-PTI—-