A routine visit to a bank turned into a heartbreaking tragedy after a 27-year-old farmer died when a security guard's rifle accidentally discharged inside a Union Bank branch in Delhi's Jaffarpur Kalan.
According to police, the victim had visited the bank to update his Aadhaar details and provide a new one which is the relevant identity document for various government and financial services. When he was inside the bank premises, the rifle carried by the security guard was discharged unexpectedly.
The bullet hit the farmer in the back, leaving him critically injured. Bank staff and customers rushed to help and he was taken to a hospital immediately. Doctors were able to declare him dead shortly after arrival.
Shocked people ran for safety when the gunshot happened. Police officers were soon on the scene and secured the place and began to collect evidence for how the gun fired.
Initial investigations suggest that the firing was accidental. The weapon malfunctioned or careless handling by the shooter led to the tragic accident, officials said. The rifle was seized and sent for a forensic examination as part of the investigation.
Police have arrested the security guard and registered a case. He is being quizzed for the sequence of events that led to the accidental discharge. They are also reviewing CCTV footage from the bank and gathering statements from witnesses to get a sense of the tragedy.
The family has been informed and his body has been sent to a post-mortem examination. We expect the report to shed light on the cause of death and the investigation.
The incident has once again raised concerns over firearm safety protocols at banks and other public institutions where armed security personnel are deployed.
Such accidents are prevented by regular weapon maintenance, safety training and strict handling procedures, experts say.
Banks in India employ armed security guards to protect customers’ safety and cash transactions. But accidental discharge of firearms is not common but can have catastrophic consequences when safety measures are ignored or fail.
The community’s residents told us they were shocked and sad about the incident, the victim had simply gone to do banking and never returned home, they said.
The tragic death has left the local community mourning and calls for more robust monitoring of security personnel.
A thorough investigation will be conducted and legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation, Delhi Police said. Forensic reports and additional evidence are required before any charges are filed.
We hope that the case will serve as a reminder of the importance of firearm handling and safety at all times in public places that are common for people to gather.
