Srinagar: Panic was witnessed on Monday when aBSF jawan "accidentally" fired around eight rounds in the air outside the high-security residence of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here, marking a security lapse.
The Chief Minister was not present at his residence at Gupkar Road here at the time of the incident as he was out of Kashmir valley for campainging for the forthcoming assembly elections in the state, a close aide of his told PTI.
"Constable Kunal Ghosh, posted on peripheral security duty at the CM's residence, accidentally fired few rounds this morning," a BSF spokesman said.
He said no one was hurt in the firing incident but the constable was immediately over-powered by his colleagues and disarmed.
Although the BSF spokesman did not divulge the exact number of rounds fired by Ghosh, police sources said the constable fired seven to eight rounds.
A probe has been initiated into the incident, which reflects a security lapse.
"He will not be posted on duty again till the inquiry into the incident is over and he is given a clearance by the doctors," the BSF spokesman said.
Ghosh, a 2012 recruit, was physically fit but started behaving abnormally this morning, the spokesman said adding "presently he is not talking to anyone".
The spokesman said apparently there were no administrative issues with the constable.
"He has been availing the leave entitlement. There is nothing on that front," he added.
Following the incident, Omar Abdullah tweeted, "Not withstanding today's incident with the BSF jawan stationed at my residence in Srinagar today I have full confidence in my security team."
Not withstanding today's incident with the BSF jawan stationed at my residence in Srinagar today I have full confidence in my security team.
— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) November 17, 2014According to police sources, the BSF jawan seemed to be mentally disturbed.
"A BSF (Border Security Force) sentry posted at the chief minister's residence fired a few shots from his automatic rifle accidentally. The BSF trooper was immediately disarmed after being identified," said a senior police official.
Srinagar : Accidental firing by BSF jawan outside Omar Abdullah's residence. Jawan detained by J&K Police pic.twitter.com/SHYVjSvl22
— ANI (@ANI_news) November 17, 2014The incident caused panic in the high security zone where several politicians including ministers, senior state government officials and intelligence officers have residences.
