Man visiting bank shot at ‘accidentally’ by guard

Accused had a spat with a bank official

A customer of Vijaya Bank was accidentally shot at by a security guard, a retired Army personnel, in south Delhi’s Defence Colony on Tuesday. The accused was arrested, the police said.

A bank employee, on condition of anonymity, said that the accused identified as Rudra Pal Singh, a resident of Mahipalpur, had an argument with a senior official over his behaviour following which he fired in the officer’s direction.

“The guard was found sleeping which was questioned by the official. The guard was furious and said he should show the official how efficient he was. He then shot in the official’s direction,” the employee said.

The customer identified as Rajender Singh who was standing between the two accidentally got shot at, the staffer said.

‘Act of negligence’

DCP (South) Romil Baaniya, however, said that the security guard had opened fire inside the bank and called it an “act of negligence”.

“The PCR call was received around 1.30 p.m. When the police reached the spot, it was revealed that the customer was shot accidentally. He was taken to a hospital where he is undergoing treatment,” Mr. Baaniya said. The police have registered a case under Section 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code and under Arms Act.

“Accused was arrested and weapon of offence has been recovered. An empty cartridge and five live cartridges were also recovered,” the officer said.