Girl hurt as gun goes off by mistake at Suwidha Centre

Nikhil Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, July 24

Panic spread at Suwidha Centre here after a .315 bore rifle went off accidentally while being checked by a security guard at the entrance to the centre today.

As the bullet from the rifle hit a wall and later injured a girl standing near the guard. The girl did not sustain any major injuries in the mishap. However, she was immediately taken to the Civil Hospital.

The incident occurred at 10:30 am today when a Kothe village near Lohian Khas-based youth, Amritpal Singh, arrived at Suwidha Centre with his .315 bore rifle for the renewal of his arms licence. After Singh was intercepted by the security guard standing out the centre, he asked Singh if the rifle was empty or loaded.

While the guard was checking the rifle, it accidentally went off and people standing near the Suwidha Centre gate got panicky. The bullet first hit a wall and later injured the 9th standard student, Neetu, a resident of Tej Mohan Nagar. She sustained injuries on her back and a leg.

The police arrived at the place and took the rifle into their possession. The youth was also carrying another revolver of .32 bore, which was also taken into possession by the police.

SHO New Baradari, Bhushan Sekhri, said investigation was on in the case to decide the further course of legal action.

Guard, rifle holder give different statements

The guard, Love Kumar, belonged to the MPA security agency, and the rifle owner Amritpal differed in their statements. As per the guard, “When Amritpal arrived, I stopped him and asked him if the rifle was empty or loaded. The youth claimed it was empty. As I went ahead in checking the rifle, it accidently fired. The youth had lied to me that it was empty. I didn’t fire intentionally.”

As per the youth, “I had told the guard that the rifle was loaded, and still he went ahead in checking and it went off”.

‘I will recommend cancellation of licence’

Girish Dyalan, ADC (General), said as per the rules, a weapon holder should bring his weapon empty, but the said weapon holder Amritpal brought his weapon loaded. “It is quite shocking that the licenced weapon holder was unaware about the technicalities of operating the weapon and still he was issued a training certificate for getting licence. I will write to the PPA, Phillaur, and the police officials concerned to inquire who cleared his training certificate. I will also recommend the cancellation of his licence. As of now, the proceedings for the renewal of his licence had been stopped,” he added.