A CAF jawan allegedly shot himself with his INSAS service rifle while on duty at a Kondagaon camp. Authorities are investigating the circumstances behind the incident.

A 45-year-old jawan of the Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) allegedly died by suicide after shooting himself with his service rifle inside a security camp in Chhattisgarh’s Kondagaon district late on Monday night, officials said.

The incident was reported from the Urandabeda police station limits, where the jawan was deployed as part of the 5th Battalion of the CAF. The deceased has been identified as Jogendra Netam, a resident of Badedongar area. According to officials, he had been posted at the camp around three months ago and was assigned security duties at the time of the incident.

Shot During Duty

Preliminary information suggests that Netam used his INSAS service rifle to fire at his temple while on duty. The gunshot alerted other personnel stationed in the camp, who rushed to the spot immediately.

However, by the time fellow jawans reached him, he had succumbed to his injuries. The incident triggered an immediate response from camp authorities, who informed senior security officials and the local police.

Senior Officers Reach Spot

Soon after receiving information, police officials and senior officers of the security establishment reached the camp and carried out an inspection of the scene.

Authorities conducted a preliminary examination and initiated standard legal procedures. The body was later sent for post-mortem examination, following which it is expected to be handed over to the family.

No Suicide Note Found

Investigators said no suicide note was recovered from the spot during the initial search. As a result, the exact reason behind the alleged suicide remains unclear.

Officials familiar with the investigation said all possible angles are being examined. While no conclusions have been drawn, personal stress or private issues are among the factors being looked into as part of the inquiry.

Investigation Continues

Kondagaon Superintendent of Police Pankaj Chandra said the case prima facie appears to be one of suicide. However, he noted that the circumstances leading to the incident are still under investigation.

Police teams, along with departmental authorities, are collecting information from colleagues and reviewing the jawan’s recent activities to establish a clearer picture of the events preceding the incident.

Sources said the family has been informed, and statements from those posted at the camp may form part of the ongoing investigation.

Concerns Over Personnel Wellbeing

The incident has once again drawn attention to the challenges faced by security personnel deployed in sensitive and demanding environments. While investigators have not linked the case to any specific factor, authorities are expected to examine whether personal or professional pressures played any role.

Security forces routinely conduct counselling and welfare measures for personnel, particularly those posted in remote locations. Officials indicated that a detailed inquiry report would help determine whether any additional factors contributed to the tragedy.

Similar Incident Recently Reported

The Kondagaon case comes days after another firearm-related suicide involving a security personnel was reported in neighbouring Narayanpur district. In that incident, a district force jawan allegedly shot himself with his service weapon at a camp under Kohkameta police station limits.

Officials have not indicated any connection between the two incidents. Investigations in both cases are being carried out separately.

Further details in the Kondagaon case are expected to emerge once the post-mortem report and departmental inquiry are completed.