Malda (West Bengal), July 24: In a shocking incident of alleged fratricide, a Border Security Force (BSF) constable opened fire inside the force’s shared battalion headquarters in Malda district on Thursday afternoon, killing two colleagues and critically injuring a third. The incident occurred around 3:50–4:00 pm on July 23 at the headquarters of the 71st and 119th Battalions located in the 17 Mile area under Baishnabnagar police station in Malda.
Sequence of Events
According to preliminary information from police and BSF sources, Constable Shivam Kumar Mishra of the 119th Battalion, who was under BSF custody in connection with court-martial proceedings, overpowered the sentry on duty at the entrance of the headquarters. He snatched the sentry’s service rifle and opened indiscriminate fire towards the barracks where personnel were resting after duty.
Three BSF personnel sustained bullet injuries and were rushed to Malda Medical College and Hospital. Doctors declared two of them dead, while the third remains under treatment.
The Victims
The deceased have been identified as:
- Head Constable Ajay Kumar Singh (51), a resident of Manjhi in Saran (Chhapra) district of Bihar. He was attached to the 71st Battalion.
- Constable Ambadar (Ambadas) Suresh Durgu (36/37), a resident of Gadchiroli in Maharashtra. He was also serving with the 71st Battalion.
Both died either on the spot or shortly after being brought to the hospital.
The injured jawan is Head Constable Bikash (Bikas/Vikas) Brahma (44), a native of Mohanda village under Polba police station in Hooghly district of West Bengal. He sustained bullet injuries to his legs and is undergoing treatment at Malda Medical College and Hospital. His condition has been described as serious/critical.
An injured colleague later recounted that he had returned to the barracks after duty when he heard continuous firing. He took shelter under his bed but was still hit in the legs.
Accused and Background
The accused, Constable Shivam Kumar Mishra of the 119th Battalion, hails from Chhattisgarh. He was detained by BSF personnel soon after the firing and handed over to local police.
Sources indicate that Mishra had a prior disciplinary history. Approximately a year earlier (in 2025), he was accused of firing at colleagues and was punished under BSF law. That sentence had recently been completed, and preparations were reportedly underway to send him home when the latest incident occurred.
Preliminary inquiries suggest he may have been suffering from mental stress or depression. Malda Superintendent of Police Anupam Singh said mental depression could have been a trigger, though the exact motive is still under investigation. Some reports have also pointed to a possible grudge linked to the earlier disciplinary action.
Official Response and Investigation
Local police from Baishnabnagar police station have registered a case and launched an investigation. A large police contingent reached the spot soon after the incident.
BSF Malda Sector Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Surendra Kumar Jha confirmed that an internal inquiry has been ordered to establish the sequence of events and the circumstances that allowed the accused to snatch a weapon despite being under custody.
Senior BSF officers visited the hospital. Families of the deceased and the injured have been informed.
The bodies of the two deceased personnel were shifted for post-mortem examination at Malda Medical College and Hospital.
Investigators are examining all angles, including how the accused managed to overpower the sentry and obtain a weapon while under custody, as well as any possible role of mental health issues or residual resentment from the earlier punishment.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the BSF establishment in the sector. Further details are expected as the dual police and internal BSF probes progress.
