Jawan on poll duty kills colleague, injures 2 others

An Assam Rifles jawan on election duty in Howrah, West Bengal, allegedly opened fire at a poll camp, killing a colleague and injuring two others, according to a senior police official. The soldier, identified as Lakshmikant Barman, fired 13 rounds at the camp set up in a school in Bagnan area of the district. The officer said, “He was reportedly depressed and had been unwell for quite some time. As per our information, Barman was taken off duty.” Assistant Sub-Inspector Bholanath Das was killed in the shooting, while two other personnel, Anil Rajbanshi and Rantu Mani, were injured. The police said the two injured jawans are undergoing treatment at a hospital. The officer said, “The accused trooper was taken into custody and an investigation into the matter is underway.”