Infighting, missing arms on officers' radar behind attack in Bhatinda camp

The Bhatinda military camp attack is a case of an internal fight, Punjab minister Anmol Gagan Maan said.

Initial reports said that the this seems to be an internal issue. A rifle with ammunition had been missing for the last two days. Four jawans are reported dead in the firing incident.

The Army said that the incident took place at 4.35 am, which led to quick reaction teams being activated.

Reports said that an Insas rifle with 28 cartridges had gone missing from the Bathinda military station two days back. The Army said that four jawans were killed in the firing and their families have been informed about the same.

"Firing incident reported in the early hours of the morning around 0435h inside Bathinda Military Station. Station Quick Reaction Teams were activated. Area was cordoned off and sealed. Search operations, are in progress. Four Fatal casualties reported. Further details being ascertained," a statement by the Army read.

The Punjab Police and Army are conducting a joint investigation into the matter.

The firing according to reports took place inside the officers' mess. The entire area has been cordoned off, and combing operations are still on. There is also a manhunt for a person in civilian clothes, who is said to have opened fire and killed the jawans.

"All aspects, including the possible case of involvement of an INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) rifle along with 28 rounds reported missing two days back, are being ascertained," the Army statement also added.

An official word on who carried out the shooting is still awaited. The families at the military station have been told to stay indoors until the operation is completed, sources tell OneIndia.