A pellet fired by a protective armed civilian guard at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi struck a stone, shattering it into fragments that injured three local bystanders, police officials said Monday.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. when a PAC Jawan, part of the state’s security detail, reportedly fired a bullet that ricocheted off a stone wall. The shattered stone hit Nikyni Gupta, Ram Babu, and Vikas Yadav, all residents of the nearby area, causing minor injuries. All three were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
Police spokespersons said the firing was accidental and that the guard was performing routine training exercises. “The guard was conducting a drill when the bullet struck the stone wall. The impact caused the stone to break, and the fragments struck the bystanders,” the spokesperson explained.
No charges have been filed against the guard, and the incident is under investigation by the Varanasi Police Department. The temple authorities have not issued a statement.
Analysis:
The incident highlights the risks associated with armed security personnel operating in densely populated heritage sites. While the guard’s training protocol was reportedly followed, the choice of firing location and the presence of stone structures may have increased the likelihood of accidental ricochets. The event may prompt a review of security procedures at other religious sites across the state.
Sources
– Hindustan Times, “Three injured in accidental firing by PAC Jawan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple,” https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/three-injured-in-accidental-firing-by-pac-jawan-at-kashi-vishwanath-temple-101783149386743.html
Story synopsis gathered from: Hindustan Times – India News — source
Corrections
If you believe this article contains an error, contact Herald Express with the source URL and supporting evidence.
