Jharkhand policeman killed after service rifle allegedly went off accidentally

A policeman died after his service rifle allegedly fired accidentally at a police picket in Jharkhand's Palamu district on Saturday morning, officials said.

The incident took place at around 6 am at the Dagra picket under the Nawa Bazar police station area, when Subedar Buchun Pal, 53, was in the restroom, officials said.

Pal, who was a resident of the Untari Road police station area in the district, was posted with the Jharkhand Armed Police (JAP)-8.

Chattarpur SDPO Prashat Kumar told PTI that Pal died in the accidental firing. He said the policeman was carrying an INSAS rifle when it went off while he was in the restroom, leaving him with serious injuries and causing his death on the spot.

The officer said Pal's body would be sent for a post-mortem examination after his family members, who reside in Ranchi, reach the spot.

An investigation into the incident is underway, Kumar added.  (with inputs from PTI)