TURA: A policeman in charge of the weapons armory in Tura has been killed after a live round that had been stuck in the midst of the barrel of an automatic rifle went off while he was attempting to dislodge it on Friday afternoon.
The incident happened after completion of the annual firing practice for the district police personnel that took place at the 2nd MLP Battalion firing range in Goeragre, 13 kms from Tura.
One of the live rounds, an INSAS 5.56 mm live ammo, reportedly failed to exit from the weapon during the firing practice.
According to police, this happens when the ammo develops into a bulky round and fails to gain velocity to exit the barrel during firing remaining lodged inside. There are no procedures for removing it safely, say police.
“They tried to remove the bullet from the gun at the battalion itself but were unsuccessful. It was brought to the armory workshop at Tura police reserve where the armory in-charge Mone Marak and another armourer were trying to extract the bullet when it accidentally went off,” informed West Garo Hills district police chief MGR Kumar.
The bullet hit the havildar in his abdomen and reportedly ruptured his spleen. He was rushed to the Tura Civil Hospital where despite all attempts by medics he could not be saved.
“The deceased was a very experienced armourer and a thorough gentleman who always went by the book. It is a very sad incident,” said Superintendent of Police MGR Kumar.
