A Border Security Force jawan on guard duty at the Sankagiri counting centre, where electronic voting machines have been stored, was injured when a rifle went off on Friday morning.
T. Sukumar Sathuka (36), a native of Mitanpur in West Bengal, was curious to learn the functioning of the rifle which Kandiyath, a constable of the Tamil Nadu Special Police Force who was on duty with him at the centre, was carrying.
While handling the rifle, it went off and the bullet ripped his right shoulder.
The crack of the gun brought others to the spot and the profusely bleeding constable was rushed to Salem Government Medical College Hospital after being given first aid.
Condition stable
He has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Doctors said that his condition was stable.
Salem Superintendent of Police N. Arivuselvam and Sankagiri constituency Returning Officer Sivaraj held an enquiry with Kandiyath, a native of Usilampatti in Madurai district.
People gather at centre
On hearing the gunshot, members of the public and representatives of political parties started assembling in front of the centre. Police and revenue officials convince them it was an accident and that nothing amiss had taken place at the counting centre, before dispersing them.
While Kandiyath has been placed under suspension, Salem Judicial Magistrate III Muralidharan obtained a confessional statement from Sukumar. Senior police officers visited the hospital.
