CAF jawan shot dead after late-night spat with colleague

Raipur: A Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) jawan was shot dead by a colleague at the Ghaghra battalion camp in Khairagarh district late on Sunday night. The firing, which reportedly stemmed from a sudden altercation between the two, took place while most personnel were asleep.The victim, identified as Sonveer Jat, a native of Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, was posted at the Ghaghra-based CAF battalion.The accused, Arvind Gautam, who allegedly opened fire with his service INSAS rifle, has been arrested and is being questioned at Gattapar police station.According to initial findings, the dispute broke out after dinner, when jawans had retired to their barracks. Police said Sonveer and Arvind had an argument, during which Sonveer is believed to have slapped Arvind. In a fit of anger, Arvind allegedly picked up his service rifle and fired at Sonveer. The bullet ripped through Sonveer's hand and lodged in his cheek.Other personnel, startled by the gunshot around midnight, rushed to the barracks and found Sonveer lying in a pool of blood on his bed. He was rushed to the Khairagarh civil hospital around dawn on Monday, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.While some earlier inputs suggested a long-standing dispute between the two jawans, colleagues at the camp told police the two were generally considered friends and often performed duties together. "What triggered the argument and how it escalated to firing is still unclear," a senior officer said. "The angle of a slap leading to the shooting has come up during inquiry. Statements of fellow jawans are being recorded," he said.The service rifle used in the incident has been seized. An FIR has been registered and further investigation is underway. In the wake of the incident, security around the camp and surrounding areas has been strengthened. The CAF and district police have informed the victim's family. Investigators say the exact motive will be known after detailed questioning, forensic examination and the post-mortem report.

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