A member of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) sustained injuries on Monday in an unfortunate incident of accidental firearm discharge at the Kathua railway station in Jammu and Kashmir. The constable was reportedly handling his service weapon when it went off unexpectedly.
Details of the Kathua Railway Station Incident
The incident took place on April 29, 2024, within the premises of the Kathua railway station. According to initial reports from officials, the constable, identified as Constable Rinku, was involved in a routine checking duty. While handling his official rifle, the weapon accidentally discharged, resulting in a bullet wound to his leg.
Following the accidental firing, immediate action was taken to provide medical assistance. The injured RPF jawan was swiftly transported from the scene to receive urgent medical care for his gunshot injury.
Immediate Response and Medical Care
Authorities confirmed that the constable's condition was stabilized after receiving prompt first aid and treatment. He was subsequently shifted to a nearby hospital for further medical observation and management of his injuries. Officials have stated that the constable is currently out of danger and is recovering.
The incident has prompted an internal inquiry to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the accidental discharge of the firearm. Standard operating procedures for handling weapons are under review to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
Senior RPF officials have acknowledged the incident and confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway. The focus is on determining whether any procedural lapses contributed to the accident. Such incidents, while rare, highlight the inherent risks involved in the handling of service weapons even during non-combat, routine scenarios.
The RPF plays a critical role in ensuring the security of railway infrastructure and passengers across India, including in the sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir. This event in Kathua underscores the importance of continuous training and strict adherence to weapon safety protocols by all security personnel.
