A routine visit to a public sector bank on the outskirts of Siliguri turned into a scene of panic and injury on Tuesday after a security guard's duty firearm accidentally discharged, injuring five customers. The incident occurred during peak banking hours at the Bidhan Nagar branch in the Phansidewa block.
Sequence of Events at the Bank
The Darjeeling district police reported that the incident took place around 11:30 am on Tuesday. According to preliminary accounts from witnesses, the security guard, identified as Manik Roy, had placed his double-barrelled shotgun on the floor. The weapon reportedly slipped and discharged accidentally, firing pellets that struck several customers standing nearby in the crowded bank.
Victims and Immediate Aftermath
The injured individuals were promptly identified by authorities. They include Mary Nag (37), Sonali Nag (14), Mohammad Nurul Haque (35), Sanjita Pahan (41), and Biplab Singh (30). The victims, comprising two women and a minor, received injuries from the stray pellets and were provided medical attention.
Following the accidental shooting, police officials swiftly moved to the scene. The security guard, Manik Roy, was detained for questioning, and his firearm was seized as part of the ongoing investigation. Darjeeling Superintendent of Police Praween Prakash confirmed that CCTV footage from the bank is being examined to establish the precise sequence of events that led to the firearm's discharge.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
The investigation aims to determine the exact circumstances that caused the shotgun to fire. Authorities are scrutinizing whether proper safety protocols were being followed regarding the handling and storage of the weapon within the public banking premises. This incident has raised serious questions about firearm safety in crowded public spaces and the training protocols for armed security personnel, especially in sensitive locations like banks.
While accidental discharges are rare, this event in Siliguri underscores the potential risks. The police probe will be crucial in providing a clear picture and possibly recommending stricter safety measures to prevent such unfortunate accidents in the future.
