CRPF DG GP Singh visits Nagaon battalion to probe August 4 firing incident

CRPF Director General GP Singh on August 12 visited the 34th CRPF Battalion in Nagaon in connection with the investigation into the August 4 firing incident that left three personnel dead and another injured.

The CRPF chief arrived at the battalion to take stock of the circumstances surrounding the incident and review the ongoing investigation.

According to the information available, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel allegedly shot dead two colleagues, injured another and later died by suicide inside the 34 Battalion CRPF camp at Katimari in Assam's Nagaon district on the morning of August 4.

According to preliminary information, ASI/GD Ballani Premabaram, a native of Andhra Pradesh, was on main gate duty when he was reportedly found without his assigned service weapon. He later took an INSAS rifle from the camp's guard room and proceeded towards the rear side of the Quarter Guard.
The incident had triggered concern within the battalion, with the circumstances leading to the firing now under investigation.

Police said he allegedly first opened fire on Head Constable (HV/GD) Vishnu Prasad Baghel, who succumbed to his injuries. He then allegedly shot SI/GD Ramnawal Singh Yadav, who had arrived at the camp for document verification. Yadav also died at the scene.

The accused subsequently allegedly fired at ASI/Mane Govind Sripul of B/171 Battalion, leaving him injured.

After the shooting, Ballani Premabaram entered the B/171 Battalion barrack and allegedly shot himself. He died on the spot.

The injured ASI was rushed to Dew Care Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.

The deceased have been identified as SI/GD Ramnawal Singh Yadav, Head Constable Vishnu Prasad Baghel and ASI/GD Ballani Premabaram, the alleged shooter.

Singh's visit is expected to focus on the findings of the probe and the circumstances surrounding the incident.