A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan, reportedly under court-martial proceedings, opened fire inside the force’s headquarters in Vaishnabnagar, Malda, on Thursday evening. Two personnel were killed, while another remains in critical condition.
According to police sources, the accused has been identified as Shivam Kumar Mishra, who was being held under security at the BSF camp due to ongoing disciplinary proceedings. Preliminary reports suggest that Mishra allegedly snatched a rifle from an on-duty sentry and began firing indiscriminately toward the barracks.
The sudden gunfire triggered chaos within the camp, as personnel scrambled to take cover. Three jawans — Ajay Kumar, Ambadar Suresh, and Bikash Brahma — were critically injured in the attack and collapsed at the scene.
Fellow personnel quickly intervened, overpowering and detaining the accused. The injured were rushed to Malda Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared Kumar and Suresh dead on arrival. Bikash Brahma is currently undergoing treatment and remains in critical condition.
The incident occurred within the high-security premises of the BSF headquarters at Vaishnabnagar, raising serious concerns about internal safety protocols. Questions are being asked about how a jawan already under custody managed to access and use a weapon despite existing safeguards.
District Superintendent of Police Anupam Singh said that an investigation has been initiated. “A case has been registered, and all aspects of the incident are being examined, including possible lapses in security and the mental state of the accused,” he said.
Initial findings indicate that Mishra may have been under mental distress, though officials have not confirmed whether this was the sole trigger behind the attack. Investigators are currently reviewing his mental health background, recent conduct, and details of the court-martial proceedings.
The BSF has not yet disclosed the charges against the accused, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing inquiry. Officials stated that more information would be shared after preliminary investigations are completed.
Security at the Vaishnabnagar camp has been significantly tightened following the incident. Senior BSF officers and district police personnel maintained a presence at the hospital throughout the night.
Post-mortem examinations of the deceased will be conducted on Friday. Authorities have confirmed that the bodies will be handed over to their families with full state honors. The autopsy reports are expected to provide clarity on the nature and extent of injuries sustained.
Also read: CM Suvendu Adhikari announces 1,000 new buses for Bengal
Follow us
