Head constable dies in ‘accidental’ firing from service rifle

Dehradun: A 49-year-old head constable deployed at the state guesthouse near Jolly Grant airport died in a suspected accidental firing from his service rifle at his house in Dehradun’s Ranipokhri area on Monday night, police said.The deceased, Sunil, stayed in the guesthouse quarters while his family lived in Ranipokhri, near the airport.Police said the incident took place around 9.15pm after Sunil received an emergency call from his son about his wife’s ill health and rushed home from duty.Dehradun SP (Rural Rishikesh) Jaya Baluni said, “After reaching home, Sunil rang the doorbell. As his son was about to open the gate, the family heard him fall, followed by multiple gunshots.”Family members rushed outside and found Sunil lying in a pool of blood. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Police were later informed by his son.Baluni said preliminary investigation revealed that 11 rounds were fired from Sunil’s carbine rifle. “A probe is underway to examine all possible angles,” Baluni added.