An accidental firing by a Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) jawan near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi on Saturday, have left three injured, prompting authorities to launch an investigation and tighten security in and around the temple complex. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed that all of them are out of danger.
How the incident unfolded
According to reports , the incident took place near Gate No. 4 of the Baba Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where a PAC jawan was deployed for crowd management as devotees gathered at the shrine.
Hindustan Times reported that, officials said the jawan’s carbine allegedly went off accidentally. The bullet struck a stone nearby, causing fragments of the stone to fly off and hit three local bystanders instead of the bullet directly striking them.
Three injured, all discharged after first aid
The injured have been identified as Nikyni Gupta, Ram Babu and Vikas Yadav. They were immediately shifted to the Divisional Hospital in Kabirchaura for treatment.
Doctors provided first aid to all three and said none had suffered serious injuries. Police also confirmed that all of them are safe and out of danger.
Police begin investigation
Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Shiv Hari Meena visited both the hospital and the incident site following the firing.
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Speaking about the incident, he said, “A PAC soldier was clearing a crowd of devotees near Kashi Vishwanath Dham when suddenly, a carbine fired accidentally.” “The matter is being investigated. The injured have been given medical treatment. All are out of danger”, Hindustan Times quoted him as saying.
Police identified the jawan as Amarnath Chauhan, a member of the 48th PAC Battalion. Officials said he belongs to the 1987 batch and is scheduled to retire in 2027.
Security tightened around temple complex
Following the incident, senior police and administrative officials inspected the area and reviewed the existing security arrangements at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
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Investigators have collected evidence from the spot, while the PAC jawan concerned is being questioned. Police said the preliminary assessment points to an accidental discharge from the service carbine. However, a detailed probe is underway to establish the exact sequence of events and determine whether any lapse in security protocols occurred.
Officials said further action will be taken after the investigation report is submitted.
FAQs
What happened at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi?
An accidental firing by a PAC jawan near Gate No. 4 of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple injured three people after stone fragments struck them.
Were the people injured in the Kashi Vishwanath Temple firing incident seriously hurt?
No. Police said all three injured individuals received medical treatment and are out of danger.
