Constable fatally shoots colleague over personal dispute

By Sagaya Fernando | April 23, 2025

 

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West Champaran, Bihar, India — A police constable was fatally shot by another constable following a personal dispute involving the latter’s wife, in a disturbing incident that unfolded at the Bettiah police lines in Bihar’s West Champaran district on the night of April 19.

According to official reports, Constable Sarvjeet Kumar opened fire on his colleague, Constable Sonu Kumar, using his INSAS service rifle during a heated altercation inside the barracks. The shooting occurred at approximately 10:20 p.m., with Sarvjeet discharging 11 rounds, resulting in Sonu’s immediate death at the scene.

Both officers had recently been transferred from Sikta police station to the Bettiah district headquarters just two days before the incident. They were reportedly close friends and had frequently attended each other’s family events.

Superintendent of Police Shaurya Suman confirmed that tensions had arisen between the two over Sarvjeet’s discomfort with Sonu’s alleged interactions with his wife. “The accused had earlier warned his colleague about maintaining distance. However, a confrontation on April 19 night escalated uncontrollably,” Suman said during a press briefing.

Following the shooting, Sarvjeet attempted to avoid immediate arrest by climbing onto the roof of the barracks. He was eventually apprehended by fellow officers without further incident. Authorities recovered the INSAS rifle used in the attack, along with 11 spent cartridges from the crime scene.

Sub-Divisional Police Officer Vivek Deep stated that a post-mortem examination was conducted and a full investigation is underway to ascertain the precise sequence of events and motives behind the act.

Constable Sonu Kumar’s last rites were conducted with full state honours on April 21, as fellow officers paid tribute to their fallen colleague.

This incident has raised serious concerns over internal discipline, stress management, and conflict resolution mechanisms within India’s police forces. Senior officials have emphasized the need for enhanced counseling and preventive measures to address personal disputes that risk undermining institutional integrity.