Did cop shoot at senior at Mumbai Central station?

Though GRP terms it an accident, sources say that argument with senior triggered the incident

Did cop shoot at senior at Mumbai Central station?

Though GRP terms it an accident, sources say that argument with senior triggered the incident

Stress on the job is telling on GRP personnel patrolling local trains at odd hours, making them blow their fuse at the slightest provocation.

A 39-year-old police naik, Nilesh Patil posted at Mumbai Central GRP, allegedly opened fire from his .303 service rifle outside his duty in-charge's cabin "following a heated argument with his senior officer".

A GRP official posted at Mumbai Central, allegedly opened fire from his .303 service rifle outside his duty in-charge's cabin yesterday

But Bharat Rane, senior inspector, Mumbai Central GRP, termed the incident as a case of accidental misfiring, categorically denying that a heated argument could have prompted the policeman to open fire.

According to sources in the GRP, Patil, the cop in question, and duty officer Shakir Sheikh had some argument over the dereliction of duty.

"Patil, who was assigned to patrol a local train, returned to the office complaining of stomach pain on Saturday night. As Patil was not feeling well, he wanted to leave early. But when his senior did not allow him, he went berserk.

Patil took his service rifle, loaded its chamber (the cops are not allowed to load the rifle chamber without permission) and then shot one bullet just outside the duty officer's cabin," said a source, requesting anonymity.

However, Rane said,u00a0 "He (Patil) does not have any blemishes on his record since he joined the services. There was no argument between the two policemen."

According to sources, Patil's colleagues were taken aback by his sudden mood swing. They first took away the rifle from him and then detained him for inquiry.

"We have sent the report to Nagpada police station and after the investigation it will be decided whether to suspend Patil or not," said Rane.u00a0 A case has been registered against Patil under Section 336 of IPC.

Patil, a resident of Ghatkopar, Pant Nagar, was posted at Mumbai Central GRP last year.

Trigger Unhappy

Feb 9, 2010: Mohan Ramabhai, a constable at the Kalupur police station, misfired during a demonstration on how to tackle loaded arms. Police sources said that Mohan and other police officials were invited to participate in the demonstration of used arms.

May 5, 2010: When constables Shyamrao Padvi and Shekhar Dighe were checking their guns at the Quick Response Team office premises near the Additional Commissioner's office, Bandra, Dighe's gun misfired and the bullet hit Padvi.

May 7, 2011: A policeman was killed after his gun misfired near the US consulate in Mumbai. Constable Deepak Vitgare sustained two 9 mm bullet injuries around 7 in the morning. He was rushed to the nearby Breach Candy Hospital where he died in the afternoon.