A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan allegedly died by suicide after shooting himself with his service rifle while on duty at a border outpost in West Tripura early Thursday, officials said. The incident is under investigation.
According to preliminary information, the deceased was identified as Ramendra Kumar (earlier local reports identified him differently), a constable of the 42nd Battalion BSF posted at the Tebaria Border Out Post (BOP). The incident took place at a watchtower near Gate No. 52 along the India-Bangladesh border in the early morning of Thursday. Authorities said the jawan sustained a fatal gunshot injury from his service weapon while on duty.
Police, BSF officials and a forensic science team reached the spot soon after the incident and launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the jawan's death. Officials said the exact cause of the incident has not yet been established.
Local residents claimed they heard a gunshot in the early hours of the morning before learning about the incident. Some also alleged that media personnel were prevented from approaching the scene, reportedly citing restrictions near the international border.
The incident has raised questions among local residents over the circumstances that led to the jawan's death. They have sought a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the sequence of events.
No official statement explaining the circumstances behind the death had been issued at the time of filing this report, and the investigation is continuing.