A CRPF personnel opened fire after he had some altercation with his colleagues in Nalbari, Assam
Tension prevailed in lower Assam's Nalbari district when one security personnel shot dead his colleague while being on duty at a mass protest this morning.
A havildar attached to the 136 battalion of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Amal Das, shot at a CRPF Assistant Sub-Inspector, DC Bordolai and injured four others. The incident happened while the security personnel were on duty during a protest organised by All Assam Student's Union.
The students union were demanding a separate sub-division in Tihu town of Nalbari district. They had taken prior permission from authorities to conduct a peaceful rally.
According to sources, Mr Das opened fire after he had some altercation with his colleagues.
"Bordolai was killed on the spot while four others who sustained bullet injuries have been sent to a hospital in Nalbari. Das tried to kill himself after the incident with the same weapon but he was overpowered," said a senior CRPF officer.
The incident took place around 10am and the protest was dissolved immediately.
The Senior Superintendent of Police in Nalbari, BM Rajkhowa said,
"Soon after the CRPF officer was shot, the public attacked the CRPF. There were retaliatory fights and both civilians and CRPF officials were injured. This appears to be a case of infighting within the CRPF."
Police had to open fire to bring the situation under control. According to sources, this incident could be a case of a personal feud, having no connection with the protest.
Four CRPF jawans and two civilians were also injured and are undergoing treatment in the Nalbari civil hospital. Later, a class 9 student succumbed to their injuries, taking the death toll to two.
Sources said that Mr Das, 35, accused of shooting dead a CRPF officer, too has got severe injuries in his head. His weapons have been seized and local police is investigating the matter.
Tihu is located about 95 kilometers from Guwahati. The area witnesses occasional protests over the demand for a separate sub-division by various political parties.