An Indian Army Major allegedly shot and killed a Subedar Major of the Defence Security Corps (DSC) during a routine firing practice session at the Central Ammunition Depot (CAD) in Pulgaon on 15 May 2026. The incident has triggered parallel investigations by the Army and Wardha police, with the accused officer currently in military custody amid a reported tussle over formal police interrogation.
The deceased has been identified as Subedar Major Om Bahadur Khand, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) serving with the Defence Security Corps. DSC personnel are typically re-employed retired soldiers tasked with guarding sensitive military installations.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered at Pulgaon police station and the eyewitness account of Lance Naik Bir Singh Dhami, the incident unfolded during an early morning firing practice at the range. Major Manan Tiwari, a commissioned officer posted at CAD Pulgaon, had completed his practice rounds when he allegedly turned his 5.56 mm INSAS assault rifle towards Subedar Major Khand, who was collecting empty cartridge cases. The victim was reportedly shot from close range in a burst of fire, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the eye. Police sources stated that the impact caused severe head trauma, with the victim suffering at least 15 bullet wounds before collapsing.
Fellow soldiers present at the firing range immediately restrained Major Tiwari and placed him in Army custody. He remains in military custody as of 17 May 2026.
Army’s Position
In an official press release, the Defence Public Relations Officer stated that Subedar Major Om Bahadur Khand “died due to a firing accident on the firing range” during routine practice. The release expressed regret and confirmed that the unit had conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family. An Army spokesperson at Nagpur, Group Captain R. Kannan, initially described the death as resulting from an accidental discharge and stated that both the Army and Wardha police were investigating the matter.
Recent reports indicate that Army authorities are consulting the Judge Advocate General (JAG) branch to initiate internal disciplinary proceedings, including potential court-martial processes, citing the need to maintain operational secrecy at the sensitive ammunition depot.
Police Investigation and Custody Developments
Wardha police have registered a case based on the eyewitness statement. The FIR names Major Manan Tiwari in connection with the shooting. Police sources have indicated a desire to conduct detailed interrogation to establish the full sequence of events and any possible motive. No immediate evidence of prior enmity between the two personnel has been reported so far.
A legal tussle over custody has emerged. Under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Section 521, military authorities generally receive priority in cases involving serving armed forces personnel, with the accused typically routed toward court-martial proceedings. Police sources confirmed that after formal correspondence, Major Tiwari is expected to remain primarily under Army custody, though police may seek limited access for interrogation.
Autopsy and Post-Incident Procedures
An autopsy was conducted on 16 May 2026 at Wardha General Hospital in the presence of the deceased’s relatives, the district surgeon, and police officials. The post-mortem report confirmed death due to multiple gunshot wounds. The body was handed over to the family in the presence of Army officers, following standard protocol.
Background
The Central Ammunition Depot at Pulgaon, located approximately 100 km from Nagpur in Wardha district, is one of Asia’s largest ammunition storage and handling facilities, originally established during the British era. The depot has been the site of previous incidents, including a major explosion in 2016 that claimed several lives.
Current Status
Both the Indian Army and civil police are conducting investigations into the circumstances of the shooting. While the Army has characterised the event as an accidental discharge in its initial communications, police documentation and the eyewitness account describe a deliberate burst of fire directed at the victim. The motive remains unclear, and no prior enmity has been established.
Further developments are awaited as the joint probe continues and legal proceedings, including potential court-martial, take shape.
This report is based on official Army statements, police FIR details, eyewitness accounts, and verified updates from multiple credible sources as of 17 May 2026. The matter remains sub-judice, and all information should be treated as subject to the ongoing investigation.
