An accidental discharge of a service rifle at Kathua railway station in Jammu and Kashmir left a Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable injured, triggering alarm among passengers and staff on Saturday.
Constable Rushed to Hospital After Shoulder Injury
The incident occurred late on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Officials identified the injured personnel as Constable Dinesh Kumar, who was on active duty at the time. Preliminary reports indicate his official rifle went off unexpectedly, with the bullet striking him in the shoulder.
Fellow RPF personnel present at the station acted swiftly, providing first aid and immediately rushing him to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. His current condition is reported to be stable under medical supervision.
Senior Officials Launch Investigation
The sound of the gunshot caused momentary panic within the station premises. It prompted a swift response from senior authorities who converged at the site to assess the situation.
Senior police officers, additional RPF teams, and railway officials rushed to the spot following the incident. The area was secured, and an initial examination was conducted to understand the circumstances that led to the accidental fire.
As part of the standard procedure, the local police have registered a formal case to investigate the matter thoroughly. The investigation will aim to determine the exact sequence of events and establish protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Focus on Safety Protocols and Training
This unfortunate event has brought the focus back on weapon handling safety and refresher training for forces deployed in public spaces like railway stations. While accidental discharges are rare, they underscore the critical need for constant vigilance.
The RPF, responsible for the security of railway property and passengers, is expected to review the incident internally. The welfare of the injured constable remains a priority for the force as the legal and administrative processes move forward.
