Goa Resident Hospitalized After Accidental Gunshot from Ancestral Weapon During Cleaning
In a startling incident in Ponda, Goa, a 41-year-old man was seriously injured after being shot by his own firearm while performing routine maintenance at his residence. The victim, identified as Pankaj Naik, a resident of Tishem-Borim, is currently receiving medical treatment at the Goa Medical College (GMC) following the accidental discharge.
Details of the Shooting Incident and Police Investigation
The incident occurred late on Sunday evening, around 11 PM, at Naik's home. According to preliminary statements provided to the Ponda police, Naik was in the process of cleaning a 12-bore, single-barrel, country-made gun when the firearm accidentally discharged. The projectile, identified as a steel ball typically used in bearings, penetrated his left thigh, causing significant injury.
Naik reportedly claimed to authorities that the gun is an ancestral piece that has been in his family for generations. He explained that the accident happened as he was attempting to place the weapon back in its storage location after completing the cleaning process. "The gun fell to the ground and a bullet was fired automatically," a police officer involved in the case stated, summarizing Naik's account of the events.
Legal Repercussions and Seizure of the Firearm
Following the incident, the Ponda police swiftly responded, seizing the firearm from Naik's residence as part of their investigation. Law enforcement officials have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Naik, invoking multiple legal provisions.
The charges filed against him include:
- Illegal possession and handling of the firearm under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act.
- Failure to exercise proper care and precaution while handling a dangerous weapon.
- Endangering the life and personal safety of others by storing an unsecured firearm in a residential setting.
This case highlights the severe legal consequences that can arise from the possession and mishandling of unlicensed or improperly secured weapons, even in cases involving family heirlooms. The police investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the ownership and storage of the firearm.
Community safety remains a paramount concern, and this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with firearms in domestic environments. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of strict adherence to firearm safety protocols and legal regulations to prevent such accidents.
