CAF Jawan Opens Fire at Colleagues in Chhattisgarh: 2 Dead, 2 Injured Over a Dispute Regarding Chilies

Raipur
In a shocking incident, a jawan of the Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) opened fire on his colleagues with a service rifle during a meal, reportedly over not being served chilies. One jawan died from the gunshot, while another allegedly succumbed to shock. Two other jawans were injured, one with bullets lodged in both legs and the other grazed by a bullet.

The injured have been admitted to Kusmi Community Health Center. The incident occurred at the Bhutahi camp, located in the Samari police station area of Balrampur district. The jawan responsible for the shooting has been identified as Ajay Sidar, serving in the 11th Battalion of the CAF. Hearing the gunshots, other jawans at the camp intervened and subdued Sidar.

One of the injured jawans, who sustained bullet wounds in both legs, has been referred to Ambikapur Medical College Hospital for further treatment.

Dispute During Mealtime
Initial investigations suggest that Ajay Sidar was having a meal when he requested chilies from fellow jawan Rupesh Patel, who was serving the food. When Rupesh refused, a verbal argument ensued. Guard Commander Ambuj Shukla, who was present, sided with Rupesh, escalating the confrontation.

Enraged, Ajay Sidar left his meal, retrieved his Insas rifle, and shot Rupesh Patel, killing him instantly. He also fired at Ambuj Shukla’s legs. Another jawan, Rahul Baghel, managed to overpower Sidar and bring the situation under control.

Ambuj Shukla received initial treatment at Kusmi Community Health Center before being transferred to Ambikapur Medical College Hospital.

One Jawan Dies of Shock
According to Balrampur ASP Shailesh Pandey (Naxal Operations), another jawan, Sandeep Pandey, who was present during the incident, collapsed from shock. He was being transported to Kusmi Health Center but died en route.

Dr. Satish Paikara, BMO of Kusmi Community Health Center, confirmed that no bullet wounds were found on Sandeep Pandey’s body. Blood was seen coming from his nose when he was being taken to the hospital, leading to suspicions that he may have suffered a heart attack or brain hemorrhage due to a spike in blood pressure.

5 Jawan Suicides in Chhattisgarh Within 20 Days
September 5: In Kanker, a police constable shot himself with his service rifle inside the police station. The bullet passed through his temple. He is in critical condition and is receiving treatment at a hospital in Raipur. The incident occurred in the Tadoki police station area.

September 3: Rakesh Kumar (31), a constable with SSB’s 33rd Battalion and a resident of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly shot himself in the head with his service rifle at the Kosronda camp in Tadoki police station area.

August 27: Manoj Kumar (32), a constable with the SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal), fatally shot himself with his Insas rifle in Durg. He had been deployed at the SSB regional headquarters in Bhilai for general duty.

August 26: In Dantewada, CRPF head constable Vipin Chandra, a resident of Uttarakhand, committed suicide by shooting himself with an AK-47 at the CRPF 195 Battalion headquarters in Barsur.