BSF Constable Kills Two, Injures One in Malda Headquarters Shooting Incident
Malda (West Bengal), July 24: A grave incident of alleged fratricide unfolded at the shared battalion headquarters of the Border Security Force (BSF) in Malda district on Thursday afternoon. A constable opened fire, resulting in the death of two colleagues and critically injuring another. The incident took place between 3:50 and 4:00 pm on July 23 at the headquarters of the 71st and 119th Battalions situated in the 17 Mile area under the Baishnabnagar police station in Malda.
Initial reports from police and BSF sources indicate that Constable Shivam Kumar Mishra from the 119th Battalion, who was under custody due to court-martial proceedings, overpowered a sentry at the headquarters' entrance. He commandeered the sentry’s service rifle and began firing indiscriminately towards the barracks where personnel were resting post duty.
Three BSF personnel were wounded by the gunfire and were transported to Malda Medical College and Hospital. Two were declared dead by doctors, while the third is currently receiving medical care.
Those who lost their lives have been identified as:
| Name | Age | Residence | Battalion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Constable Ajay Kumar Singh | 51 | Manjhi, Saran (Chhapra) district, Bihar | 71st |
| Constable Ambadar (Ambadas) Suresh Durgu | 36/37 | Gadchiroli, Maharashtra | 71st |
The deceased succumbed to their injuries either at the scene or shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The injured officer, Head Constable Bikash (Bikas/Vikas) Brahma, aged 44, hails from Mohanda village under Polba police station in Hooghly district, West Bengal. He sustained injuries to his legs and is being treated at Malda Medical College and Hospital, where his condition is described as serious.
A colleague who was injured described returning to the barracks after duty when the firing began. Although he sought cover under his bed, he was still struck in the legs.
The suspect, Constable Shivam Kumar Mishra, originates from Chhattisgarh. He was apprehended by BSF personnel shortly after the shooting and handed over to local police authorities.
Sources have revealed that Mishra had a history of disciplinary issues. Approximately a year ago, in 2025, he was accused of firing at fellow soldiers and was subsequently penalized under BSF regulations. His sentence had recently concluded, and arrangements were reportedly being made to send him home when the current incident took place.
Initial investigations suggest Mishra might have been experiencing mental stress or depression. Malda Superintendent of Police Anupam Singh indicated that mental health issues might have triggered the incident, although the precise motive remains under investigation. Some reports suggest that previous disciplinary actions could have been a contributing factor.
The Baishnabnagar police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. A significant police presence was dispatched to the location shortly after the incident took place.
BSF Malda Sector Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Surendra Kumar Jha confirmed that an internal investigation has been ordered to determine the sequence of events and how Mishra managed to obtain a weapon while in custody.
Senior BSF officials visited the hospital, and the families of the deceased and wounded have been notified.
The bodies of the deceased were transferred to Malda Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem examinations.
Investigators are exploring various aspects, including how the suspect was able to overpower the sentry and acquire a weapon, and whether mental health issues or lingering resentment from past disciplinary actions played a role.
This incident has sent ripples of shock through the BSF ranks in the sector. Further developments are anticipated as both police and BSF internal investigations proceed.
