In a tragic incident that took place on Wednesday morning, four soldiers were killed in a shooting incident at the Bathinda Military Station in Punjab. The incident reportedly took place at around 4:35 am inside the unit's officers' mess, and sources suggest that it could be a case of fratricide.
The Bathinda Military Station, an important military installation, houses the headquarters of 10 Corps, which comes under the jurisdiction of the Jaipur-based South Western Command. The station is also home to a large number of operational Army units and other static establishments.
As per reports, the Station Quick Reaction Teams were activated as soon as the incident was reported. The area was cordoned off and sealed, and a search operation was launched to apprehend the perpetrator. A high alert has been sounded, and the police and sister agencies have been intimated about the incident.
Punjab's Additional Director General of Police, SPS Parmar, has confirmed that the incident is a fratricidal incident and not a terrorist attack or an attack from outside. The Punjab Police will also be part of the investigations into the incident.
According to initial reports, an INSAS rifle from the unit and 28 rounds of ammunition had gone missing from the unit premises two days ago. It is believed that the missing weapon could have been used in the shooting incident.
The Army has confirmed that apart from the four soldiers, there has been no other casualty in the incident, nor any damage or loss to property. A court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the matter and establish the facts of the case.
Fratricide, or the killing of a fellow soldier, is a serious issue in the armed forces and can have a severe impact on morale and discipline. The incident at the Bathinda Military Station is a grim reminder of the need for strict protocols and measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
The Indian Army has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of indiscipline or violation of rules, and those found guilty of such actions are punished severely. The court of inquiry ordered into the incident will undoubtedly leave no stone unturned to establish the truth and take appropriate action.
In the meantime, the entire Army fraternity mourns the loss of the four brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their bravery and commitment to the nation will always be remembered and honored.