Dantewada, September 10, 2026: A head constable of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) died after his service rifle allegedly discharged while he was cleaning it at a camp in the iron ore mining belt of Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district, police said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at about 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday at a portacabin post under the CISF’s Bacheli camp area on the Bailadila hills. The deceased has been identified as Head Constable Dattatraya, 50, a resident of Ahilyanagar in Maharashtra and the son of Shivaji B. Wangne. He was posted at Camp 10-11 A, Porta Cabin No. 3.
CISF personnel are deployed to secure National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) iron ore mining operations in Kirandul and Bacheli. According to preliminary information, Dattatraya was cleaning his government-issued AK-47 rifle when it suddenly discharged two rounds. The bullets struck him and caused serious injuries.
Fellow personnel who heard the gunshots rushed to the spot and took him to Apollo Hospital (NMDC Apollo Hospital) in Bacheli. Doctors examined him and declared him dead. The body was first kept in the hospital mortuary and was later sent to the District Hospital in Dantewada for post-mortem examination and other legal formalities.
Family members travelled from Maharashtra to Bacheli after being informed of the death. Police Station Bacheli has taken cognisance of the matter, completed inquest proceedings, and begun an investigation. Officials stated that the precise circumstances will be established only after a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) examination of the scene and the weapon, together with the post-mortem report.
The Bailadila range, where the CISF unit is stationed, is a major iron ore mining complex operated by NMDC.
Investigators have indicated that all aspects of the case, including compliance with firearm-handling and weapon-maintenance protocols, are under examination. Police and CISF authorities have said that support is being extended to the family of the deceased. Further official details are expected after forensic and medical reports are received.
The case remains under investigation.
