Hubballi: A police constable allegedly shot himself dead at the residence of superintendent of police in Bagalkote in the early hours of Saturday. The deceased, Manjunath Harijan (28), was posted as a night security guard at the SP's house.
Manjunath, from Mitralkod village of Koppal district, allegedly shot himself in the head with his service rifle, a .303, around 3 am. The suicide is said to be over a property dispute involving his cousins.
He joined the District Arms Reserve in Davangere in 2012 and was transferred to Bagalkote. Sources said he arrived for duty as usual and was to be at his post till 6 am. SP C.B. Rishyant came to know about the incident around 6 am and ordered an investigation.
Officials from the forensic and ballistic department, after investigating the crime scene, concluded that it was a suicide. But Manjunath's family alleged that it was a case of murder, and the police are continuing the investigation.
Mr Rishyant, expressing shock, said that he has taken up the matter seriously and the investigation will be conducted.
