CRPF – Three Dead After Firing Incident at Assam Battalion Camp

  CRPF – A tragic shooting at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Assam’s Nagaon district claimed the lives of three personnel, including the officer who allegedly carried out the attack, on Tuesday morning. Authorities have launched separate investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Incident Reported During Morning Duty

According to police officials, the firing took place at the CRPF’s 34 Battalion camp located in Katimari. Most personnel stationed with the battalion had already been deployed to violence-affected areas of Manipur, leaving only one company at the camp when the incident occurred.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Ballani Premabaram, a native of Andhra Pradesh, was assigned to duty at the camp’s main gate when the shooting unfolded. Investigators said he allegedly opened fire on fellow personnel, resulting in the deaths of Havildar Vishnu Prasad Baghel and Sub-Inspector Ramnawal Singh Yadav.

One Personnel Remains in Critical Condition

During the firing, Assistant Sub-Inspector Mane Govind Sripul sustained serious gunshot injuries. He was initially taken to a nearby hospital before being referred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital for advanced treatment. Police confirmed that his condition remained critical following the incident.

Officials stated that after the shooting, Premabaram entered the B/171 barrack and died by suicide using his service weapon. He was declared dead at the scene.

Police Outline Sequence of Events

Nagaon Senior Superintendent of Police Partha Protim Das said the incident occurred shortly after the officer reported for duty at around 7 a.m. At that time, many personnel were participating in their morning yoga session, while only a limited number of individuals were inside the barracks.

Police said one of the victims died immediately after being shot, while another later succumbed to injuries. A third victim was reportedly asleep when the attack took place.

Weapon Retrieved From Guard Room

Investigators said the officer was not carrying a firearm when he initially reported for duty. According to the police, he later collected an INSAS rifle from the Guard Room before opening fire.

Officials noted that the timing of the incident may have prevented even greater casualties, as fewer personnel were present in the immediate area compared with normal camp activity.

Authorities Begin Detailed Investigation

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that Premabaram had reportedly been receiving treatment for depression and had been assigned lighter responsibilities because of his health condition. However, officials have not confirmed whether his medical history was directly linked to the incident.

Senior officers from both the CRPF and the Assam Police reached the camp soon after the shooting. The force, along with local police, has initiated a detailed investigation to establish the complete sequence of events and identify any factors that may have contributed to the tragedy. Authorities are expected to examine witness statements, security procedures and other relevant evidence before releasing their final findings.