Four CISF jawans lost their lives after their colleague fired at them at a thermal power station in Aurangabad district of Bihar today.
Officials said the incident was reported at about 12:30 AM at the Nabinagar Power Generation Company Ltd (NPGCL) unit in the said district where a unit of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is deployed for security duties to guard the facility.
The accused jawan has been identified as constable Balveer Singh who hails from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh.
The deceased personnel have been reported to be three personnel in the ranks of Head Constable (HC) and another an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI).
The CISF jawan lost his cool following a dispute over leave and fired from his rifle, Superintendent of Police Dr Satyaprakash said.
Balveer has been arrested, he said.
"Preliminary information states that Balveer opened fire on his other colleagues, using a service rifle, in an alleged fratricide incident. While three have been killed in the firing, one another is critical and has been rushed to a nearby hospital," he said.
They said the incident took place when Balveer allegedly used his INSAS rifle to shoot his colleagues who had assembled to leave for the shift change and after the first hit, he was overpowered by others present around.
It is understood that Balveer had come back after a two-month yoga course and had some issues related to leave.
NPGCL is a Joint Venture of the NTPC and Bihar State Electricity Board.
While the SP said senior officials have rushed to the spot, the CISF said a Court of Inquiry has been ordered into the incident.
(With PTI inputs)