Pulling a towel, UP Police inspector tugs at revolver trigger, accidentally shoots self

Inspector Arun Dwivedi (50), posted at Akhand Nagar police station in Sultanpur, was seriously injured after sustaining a gunshot wound at his government residence on Sunday evening around 6 PM.

He was immediately rushed to Lucknow’s PGI hospital, where his condition is currently reported to be stable. Doctors are expected to perform surgery on Monday.

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According to officials, Inspector Dwivedi, who was serving as the acting in-charge of the station since March 15, was alone in his government quarters, located within the police station premises, at the time of the incident.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Charu Nigam said the incident appeared to be accidental.

“He was arranging his belongings in the room when the incident occurred,” she said.
Despite being injured, the inspector managed to step out while pressing his wound and sought help from fellow officers present at the station.

Sub-Inspector Kanhaiya Pandey promptly transported him in a private vehicle to Lucknow for urgent medical attention, as local facilities were not equipped to handle such a critical case.

Circle Officer (CO) Vinay Gautam, who was sent to the spot for investigation, confirmed that the bullet entered near the chest and got lodged in a bone in his right shoulder. No major internal damage has been reported.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the shot was fired from Inspector Dwivedi’s personal licensed .32 calibre revolver, not from any official police weapon. The revolver was fully loaded; one spent cartridge and five live rounds were recovered from the chamber.

Police believe the firearm discharged accidentally when Dwivedi pulled a towel on which the revolver had been placed, causing it to fall and fire.

The weapon has been sent for forensic examination. Blood stains were found at the scene, and further investigation is underway.