Indian Army Major Accused of Killing Subedar Major in Pulgaon Firing Range Incident
An Indian Army Major allegedly shot and killed a Subedar Major of the Defence Security Corps (DSC) during a routine firing exercise at the Central Ammunition Depot (CAD) in Pulgaon on May 15, 2026. This incident has initiated parallel investigations by both the Army and Wardha police. The accused officer is currently held in military custody amid disputes regarding formal police interrogation.
The deceased has been identified as Subedar Major Om Bahadur Khand, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) affiliated with the Defence Security Corps. Personnel from the DSC are generally retired soldiers re-employed to protect critical military facilities.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed at Pulgaon police station and the witness account of Lance Naik Bir Singh Dhami, the incident took place during an early morning firing practice. Major Manan Tiwari, who is stationed at CAD Pulgaon, had finished his practice rounds when he allegedly aimed his 5.56 mm INSAS assault rifle at Subedar Major Khand, who was gathering empty cartridges. Khand was reportedly shot at close range, with multiple wounds, including one to the eye. Police sources indicate the victim suffered severe head trauma from at least 15 bullet wounds before collapsing.
Soldiers present at the scene quickly restrained Major Tiwari and placed him in Army custody. As of May 17, 2026, he remains under military detention.
The Defence Public Relations Officer's official statement described Subedar Major Om Bahadur Khand’s death as a firing accident during routine practice. The statement expressed regret and noted that condolences had been extended to the deceased's family. Group Captain R. Kannan, an Army spokesperson in Nagpur, initially described the incident as an accidental discharge, noting that both Army and Wardha police were conducting investigations.
Recent reports suggest that Army authorities are consulting the Judge Advocate General (JAG) branch to initiate internal disciplinary actions, potentially leading to a court-martial, citing the need to maintain operational confidentiality at the sensitive depot.
Wardha police have filed a case based on the eyewitness testimony, naming Major Manan Tiwari in connection with the shooting. Police sources have expressed a need for comprehensive interrogation to determine the sequence of events and any potential motives. However, no evidence of prior conflict between the individuals has emerged.
A legal dispute concerning custody has arisen. Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Section 521, military authorities typically have precedence in handling cases involving service members, often directing them towards court-martial proceedings. Police sources have confirmed that after official communication, Major Tiwari is expected to remain mainly under Army custody, though the police may seek limited access for questioning.
An autopsy was performed on May 16, 2026, at Wardha General Hospital in the presence of the deceased’s family, the district surgeon, and police personnel. The post-mortem confirmed the cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds. The body was subsequently released to the family, with Army officers present, following standard procedures.
The Central Ammunition Depot at Pulgaon, located roughly 100 km from Nagpur in Wardha district, is among Asia’s largest ammunition storage facilities, originally established during the British era. The depot has experienced previous incidents, including a significant explosion in 2016 resulting in multiple fatalities.
Both the Indian Army and civilian police are actively investigating the circumstances of the shooting. While the Army’s initial statement characterized it as an accidental discharge, police records and eyewitness testimony describe it as a deliberate act of fire directed at the victim. The motive remains undetermined, and no previous animosity has been confirmed.
Progress in the investigation is ongoing as legal proceedings, including the possibility of a court-martial, are considered. This report draws on official Army statements, police FIR information, eyewitness accounts, and verified updates from multiple credible sources as of May 17, 2026. The case remains under judicial consideration, and all details are subject to the ongoing investigation.
