CISF Personnel Opens Fire at Kathua Hydro Project, Assistant Commandant Among Four Dead A CISF head constable opened fire with his service rifle at the NHPC Sewa-II project in Kathua, killing four colleagues including an assistant commandant. A catastrophic fratricide incident unfolded on Tuesday evening at a vital hydroelectric facility located near the Jammu and Kashmir border. A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) head constable stationed at the NHPC Mashka Sewa-II hydro-electric project in the Basohli area of Kathua district discharged his service rifle at fellow personnel. The sudden barrage of gunfire claimed the lives of four colleagues, including an assistant commandant, sending shockwaves across the security deployment at the power installation. Victims Declared Dead at Khairi Hospital in Chamba Immediately after the shooting, the four critically wounded personnel were transported across the border into Himachal Pradesh for urgent medical attention. They were taken to the project hospital located at the NHPC Chamera Power Station-1 in Khairi, within Chamba district. Upon arrival and examination, medical officers declared all four personnel brought dead. The deceased have been identified as Assistant Commandant Ankit Kumar Pandey, Sub-Inspector Laxman Singh, Constable Rafiq Ahmad, and Constable Sandeep Kumar. Following the tragic outcome, perimeter security around the medical facility was immediately reinforced. Rifle Discharged 10 to 15 Rounds at Each Colleague The violent encounter took place at approximately 4 PM on Tuesday during operational hours. Head Constable Awdhesh Kumar (also referred to as Abhidesh Kumar) turned his government-issued service rifle upon his fellow unit members and opened sustained fire. The assailant fired an estimated 10 to 15 bullets into each victim, leaving them with unsurvivable injuries before anyone could intervene. Prior friction appears to have precipitated the attack, as the accused was reportedly aggrieved with the assistant commandant and peers, having engaged in repeated arguments with them during shifts in recent days. Suspect Detained as Police Launch Comprehensive Inquiry Because the primary crime scene falls strictly within Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh police refrained from issuing official formal statements regarding the case. Nonetheless, a police contingent led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) from Dalhousie was dispatched to the Khairi hospital to manage local procedures. Post-mortem examinations for all four bodies were arranged to be carried out in Basohli. The accused head constable was apprehended and taken into custody shortly after the incident. Kathua SSP Mohita Sharma stated that police are thoroughly investigating the matter, while high-ranking CISF leadership also arrived at the station to examine the operational lapse. What this means for you This fatal shooting incident is likely to prompt stricter operational protocols and mental health reviews across sensitive installations. • Across India: Central paramilitary formations securing vital infrastructure are expected to tighten weapon oversight and peer grievance protocols. Internal reporting mechanisms regarding personnel disputes and workplace stress will face closer administrative scrutiny. • In Kathua and Chamba: Border coordination between Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh police has been intensified around inter-state energy plants. Local patrol strength and institutional security have been elevated around project complexes. • For Power Project Operations: Protection details at NHPC facilities such as the Mashka Sewa-II project will undergo thorough reassessment. Civilian engineers and staff working on site will witness heavier checkpoint monitoring. • For Grieving Families: Legal formalities and post-mortem procedures are being expedited to facilitate the handover of mortal remains. Administrative procedures for formal inquiry and support mechanisms are actively underway. Why this happened The fatal shooting stemmed from escalating interpersonal friction and prior workplace arguments among personnel on active duty. • Immediate Trigger: Head Constable Awdhesh Kumar opened fire with his government service rifle at approximately 4 PM on Tuesday. The rapid discharge of 10 to 15 rounds per person left four of his colleagues mortally injured. • Pre-existing Disputes: The suspect had been harboring resentment against his assistant commandant and fellow squad members. Prior verbal altercations had reportedly occurred between them on multiple occasions during shifts. • Ongoing Inquiry: Law enforcement detained the suspect immediately after the gunfire ceased and took possession of the weapon. Both Kathua police and senior CISF officials have initiated detailed inquiries to ascertain the complete sequence of events. Questions & Answers 1. Where did the shooting incident take place? The incident occurred at the NHPC Mashka Sewa-II hydroelectric project in the Basohli area of Kathua district. 2. Who were the four CISF personnel killed in the incident? The deceased are Assistant Commandant Ankit Kumar Pandey, Sub-Inspector Laxman Singh, Constable Rafiq Ahmad, and Constable Sandeep Kumar. 3. Who is the suspect accused of the firing? The suspect is Head Constable Awdhesh Kumar (also identified as Abhidesh Kumar), who was taken into custody. 4. Which medical facility were the injured transported to? They were taken to the NHPC Chamera Power Station-1 project hospital in Khairi, Chamba district, where doctors declared them dead. https://trendkia.com/en/himachal-pradesh/kathua-ke-sewa-projekta-men-cisf-javana-ne-chalai-andhadhundha-goliyan-assistant-commandant-sameta-chara-ki-mauta-40456 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.