CISF orders inquiry after four personnel are killed in a shocking firing incident at Kathua power project. (Img: Dynamite News)
Kathua/New Delhi: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Wednesday ordered a Court of Inquiry into the Kathua firing incident, in which four personnel were killed after a colleague allegedly opened fire at a security unit deployed at a hydroelectric project in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district.
Besides, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has started a detailed investigation to establish the exact sequence of events. Statements of personnel present at the site are being examined to understand what led to the confrontation.
The CISF Director General is monitoring the probe into the incident, which officials described as a suspected case of fratricide (a term used when personnel belonging to the same security force become involved in violence against each other).
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The incident took place at the CISF deployment unit responsible for security at the Sewa-II Hydroelectric Power Project in Kathua district. The facility is located near the Sewa River, a tributary of the Ravi, and is among the important infrastructure installations in the region.
CISF personnel deployed at the project provide security cover to protect the power facility. The sudden firing incident inside the unit created panic and raised questions over the circumstances that resulted in violence among members of the same force.
According to preliminary information, an argument reportedly took place between personnel before the firing. However, investigators are yet to establish the exact reason behind the dispute and the events that immediately preceded the shooting.
Following the incident, CISF officials, Jammu and Kashmir Police teams and other security agencies reached the spot. The area was secured and investigation procedures were initiated.
Authorities are examining multiple aspects, including statements of witnesses, circumstances inside the unit, security arrangements and the handling of official weapons.
The police investigation will focus on establishing the circumstances surrounding the firing, while the CISF Court of Inquiry will examine departmental and operational aspects related to the incident.
The incident has drawn attention because it occurred at a facility guarded by one of India’s major industrial security forces. The CISF is responsible for protecting several critical installations, including airports, power plants, ports and other strategic infrastructure across the country.
Experts and officials often emphasise the importance of maintaining operational discipline and addressing challenges faced by personnel working in high-pressure security environments.
The Sewa-II Hydroelectric Power Project, where the CISF personnel were deployed, is operated as a key power facility in Jammu and Kashmir.
Further details are expected as the police investigation and CISF inquiry progress. Authorities are likely to reveal more information about the motive and circumstances behind the firing after completing the probe.
