MAWKYRWAT/SHILLONG: A constable of the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) shot his senior officer dead in poll-bound Mawkyrwat on Sunday allegedly after he was denied leave.
Arjun Deshwal of the RPSF’s Charli 6 Company, who was on poll duty in South West Khasi Hills, fired about 13 rounds from his AK rifle at Assistant Commandant Mukesh C Tyagi, who died instantly after taking four bullets. The incident occurred at the RPSF camp at Mini Secretariat at 11.45 am.
A bullet hit another constable, Joginder Kumar, and he was admitted in NEIGRIHMS with arm injury. Two more persons – Inspector Pradeep Meena and Sub Inspector Om Prakash Yadav – received minor injuries in the scuffle. The accused was arrested and his rifle seized.
Sources said Deshwal had applied for leave several times but Tyagi refused to sanction.
Prakash D, the IGP of the North Eastern Sector of RPSF, told reporters that the fratricide was an “unfortunate incident”. The senior officer said all necessary formalities were followed and investigation is on to ascertain the motive for the killing.
Prakash and Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo assured that the incident would not affect the election process “as it has nothing to do with polls”. “We have enough forces deployed for the election… and we will have a smooth, free and fair election,” he added.
A similar assurance came from South West Khasi Hills SP, HG Lyngdoh. “All the polling parties have been deployed and they have reached the 55 polling stations,” the SP said, adding that inquiry into the matter has been conducted and action will be taken as per law.
A large contingent of central security forces have been deployed for the Assembly election on Tuesday.
