Gunshot injury during training in bihar: Questions arise over safety protocols

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Two female constables from Gopalganj district police were injured by gunfire during a training session at the Jhapaha CRPF Training Centre in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, on Wednesday. The constables, who sustained leg injuries, were quickly admitted to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital. Their condition is stable, and they are not in any immediate danger. The incident took place during a firing practice session at the Ahiyapur police station area. Initial investigations suggest the injuries were caused by a misfire, but the exact cause is still being looked into. The two constables, who arrived in Muzaffarpur from Gopalganj four days ago as part of a police team, were injured during the exercise. Authorities have started investigating the misfire and will take legal action once the investigation is complete.

Muzaffarpur Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO-2), Vinita Sinha, visited the training centre to carry out a preliminary inquiry. She confirmed that both constables are stable and will be questioned about the incident. Legal steps will be taken based on the investigation's findings. Following this incident, authorities have raised concerns about the safety measures during training sessions, especially with regard to misfires and stray projectiles. Previously, firing practice at the BMP-6 training centre in Malighat, Muzaffarpur, was suspended after local residents were injured during a training session. As a result, training sessions were moved to the Jhapaha CRPF Training Centre. This incident highlights the need for better safety protocols during training exercises to prevent similar accidents in the future. Other such incidents in Bihar have included artillery training accidents, such as a cannon shell landing in a civilian area in Gaya district and a live mortar shell being found in Divnia village in March 2023. The recent mishap serves as a reminder of the risks associated with training exercises and the importance of stronger safety measures to protect both trainees and nearby civilians.