A 49-year-old armed reserve constable died after his service weapon accidentally misfired at a Government Railway Police (GRP) outpost in Dhone town of Andhra Pradesh’s Nandyal district, police said on Monday.
The deceased has been identified as P Peddaiah, who was attached to the Dhone GRP outpost. A native of C Belagal village in Kurnool district, he is survived by his wife, one son and two daughters.
Misfire occurred while unloading weapon
According to GRP Deputy Superintendent of Police Srinivasachari, the incident occurred on Sunday morning when Peddaiah was unloading his service weapon after completing his duty. He was handling an SM carbine as part of the routine procedure before handing over the firearm when it accidentally discharged.
“The bullet entered through his left jaw, causing severe injuries,” the DSP said. Fellow police personnel immediately rushed to his aid and attempted to shift him to a hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries on the spot before medical assistance could be provided.
Long service in the police force
Peddaiah joined the police force in 1995 as an AP Special Police (APSP) constable. In 2017, he was attached to the Armed Reserve (AR) and later posted to the GRP on deputation.
On the day of the incident, he had been deployed as part of security arrangements on the Hubballi–Vijayawada train. He travelled on duty from Guntakal to Dhone and returned to the railway outpost after completing his assignment.
Probe ordered, relief announced
GRP officials have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances behind the accidental firing. Authorities are examining whether the incident was caused by a technical malfunction or a procedural lapse during the unloading process.
As immediate relief, GRP authorities handed over ₹1 lakh in cash to Peddaiah’s family on behalf of the state government.