CRPF officer kills two colleagues, self in Assam camp shooting

In a tragic incident on Tuesday morning, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer opened fire on his colleagues inside a battalion camp in Assam's Nagaon district, killing two personnel and injuring another before turning the weapon on himself. The officer died at the spot, police said.

The incident occurred at the 34 Battalion camp in Katimari around 7 a.m. According to Nagaon Deputy Superintendent of Police (HQ) Paramita Sarkar, the officer, identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI)/General Duty (GD) Ballani Premabaram, was on duty at the main gate when he fired at his colleagues without any apparent provocation.

Two personnel — Head Constable (HV/GD) Vishnu Prasad Baghel and Sub-Inspector (SI/GD) Ramnawal Singh Yadav — died on the spot. Another officer, ASI/GD Mane Govind Sripul, sustained injuries and was rushed to a private hospital, where he is undergoing treatment, Sarkar said.

Following the shooting, the officer shot himself and died at the location. Senior CRPF and police officers immediately rushed to the camp to assess the situation and secure the premises. An inquiry has been ordered to determine the circumstances that led to the incident, Sarkar added.

The CRPF is one of India's largest central armed police forces, frequently deployed in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country, including Assam. Personnel often serve in high-stress environments, away from their families for extended periods, which has been a growing concern for the force. Over the years, incidents of fratricide and suicide among security forces have prompted discussions about mental health support and stress management within these organisations.

While the exact motive behind Tuesday's shooting remains unclear, authorities are examining all possible angles, including personal and professional stress factors. Police have not ruled out the role of mental health issues and are expected to record statements from other personnel at the camp as part of the investigation.

Local administration and CRPF officials have assured that all necessary assistance is being provided to the families of the deceased and the injured. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and further details are awaited.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and the security establishment. This is the second such event in the region in recent months, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced psychological support for personnel in high-risk postings.

Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the Tele-MANAS helpline (14416) and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline (044-24640050). Mental health experts urge anyone in distress to seek help without hesitation.