Two Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were killed and another was critically injured after a jawan allegedly opened fire inside a BSF camp in West Bengal's Malda district on Thursday. The accused, identified as Shivam Mishra, has been arrested, while both the BSF and local police have launched separate investigations into the incident.

According to BSF sources, the firing took place at the headquarters of the 71st and 119th Battalions in Bidhannagar under Baishnabnagar in Malda district. Mishra, a resident of Chhattisgarh, allegedly fired indiscriminately at his colleagues during the afternoon, triggering panic inside the camp.

Two jawans killed, one critically injured

The deceased have been identified as Ajay Kumar Singh (51), a resident of Bihar's Chhapra district, and Ambadar Suresh Dargu (37) from Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district. Both were serving with the 71st Battalion of the BSF.

Another jawan, Vikas Brahm (44) from Hooghly district in West Bengal, sustained serious injuries and was admitted to Malda Medical College and Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.

Accused had faced disciplinary action earlier

BSF sources said Mishra had allegedly opened fire at his colleagues in a separate incident around a year ago and had been punished under the BSF Act. His disciplinary sentence had ended only a few days ago.

According to initial reports, preparations were underway to send him home after the completion of his punishment when the latest firing took place.

BSF, police launch parallel investigations

Officials from Baishnabnagar Police Station reached the camp soon after the incident and initiated an investigation. Malda Superintendent of Police Anupam Singh said the matter is being probed.

BSF Malda Sector Deputy Inspector General Surendra Kumar Jha also confirmed that the force has ordered an internal inquiry to ascertain the circumstances that led to the firing.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Baishnabnagar area and raised fresh concerns over security and personnel management within the force.