CHANDIGARH— A routine maintenance task turned fatal in Chandigarh’s Sector 23 on Tuesday night when a 43-year-old man was killed by an accidental discharge from his own licensed weapon. The victim, identified as Tara Chand, was a resident of Sector 23 and originally hailed from Rohtak, Haryana.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, particularly due to the victim’s professional background as a driver within the Haryana Government’s ministerial car section.
Details of the Incident
According to preliminary reports, the tragedy unfolded late Tuesday evening while Tara Chand was cleaning his licensed pistol at his residence.
-
The Accident: While he was handling the firearm, it reportedly went off unexpectedly.
-
The Injury: The bullet struck him in the temple, causing him to collapse instantly.
-
Immediate Outcome: Witnesses and family members found him in a pool of blood, but he had already succumbed to the injury before emergency medical services could intervene.
Police Investigation and Response
Chandigarh Police arrived at the scene shortly after the report was filed to secure the area and begin a forensic analysis.
-
Initial Findings: Authorities are currently treating the case as a tragic accident resulting from improper firearm handling during cleaning.
-
Comprehensive Probe: Despite the accidental nature of the initial findings, the police have stated that they are investigating “every possible angle” to ensure no other factors were involved.
-
Post-Mortem: The body has been moved to a local hospital for a post-mortem examination to confirm the trajectory of the bullet and the exact cause of death.
A Reminder of Firearm Safety
Tara Chand was well-known in his community and respected for his service within the state government’s transportation department. His sudden death has highlighted the critical importance of adhering to strict safety protocols when maintaining licensed weapons.
Police officials have urged all licensed gun owners to ensure that weapons are completely unloaded and the magazine is removed before attempting any cleaning or maintenance.
