Security guard held for firing at co-worker at Union Bank’s currency chest in Ahmedabad

In a shocking incident inside the Union Bank of India Currency Chest at Navrangpura on C G Road in Ahmedabad, a security guard allegedly shot and assaulted his colleague with a licensed double-barrel gun on Thursday afternoon, reportedly over a month-old workplace dispute. The injured guard, identified as Imran Khan Baloch (44), a retired Army personnel currently employed with ESPS Security, is undergoing treatment at Narayani Hospital in Rakhial after sustaining a gunshot wound to his leg.

As per the FIR filed at Navrangpura Police Station, the accused, Maheshkumar Mehariya (55), also a retired CRPF jawan and currently posted as an armed security guard at the same bank, attacked Imran Khan around 12.15 pm in the basement of the Union Bank Currency Guest House.

In his statement, Imran said that about a month ago, while on duty, he had playfully patted Mehariya on the stomach, an act that later led to resentment. “Three days later, Maheshkumar told me that my pat had caused him severe stomach pain. I apologised and even offered to let him hit me back to settle the matter,” the complainant stated.

However, on Thursday, while Imran was returning from the washroom to the basement area, Mehariya allegedly fired at him from behind using his licensed double-barrel gun, hitting him in the back of his leg. The victim also claimed that the accused struck him with the butt of the gun on his thigh, intending to kill him.

As blood started oozing from his wound, branch manager Sushmit Roy and other staff members rushed to his aid and called 108 emergency services. Imran was first taken to Asarwa Civil Hospital and later shifted to Narayani Hospital for further treatment.

Police said the accused fled the spot soon after the incident. A case has been registered under the attempt to murder of BNS sections and the relevant provisions of the Arms Act.

“The weapon used in the crime is licensed. The motive appears to be personal enmity stemming from an old grudge, but we are verifying all aspects, including the weapon’s permit and the sequence of events,” said a senior police officer.

Police have recorded the statements of the eyewitnesses present in the bank during the incident. Efforts are on to trace and apprehend the accused.