Four CISF Officers Killed After Internal Shooting at Kathua Hydropower Site

Four members of the Central Industrial Security Force died after a fellow guard opened fire inside the CISF camp at the Sewa‑III hydroelectric plant in Kathua district on Tuesday evening. The shooting happened at about 7.30 p.m. at the project in Mashka village, Basohli, near the Himachal Pradesh border. Preliminary information says Head Constable Abhidesh Kumar lifted his service rifle during an argument with colleagues and discharged it, hitting four personnel. The victims were Assistant Commandant Ankit Kumar Pandey, Sub‑Inspector Lakshman Singh and constables Rafiq Ahmed and Sandeep Kumar. All were rushed to the nearby NHPC hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries. After the incident, other CISF members overpowered Kumar and handed him to the authorities; his weapon was also seized. Senior CISF and police officers reached the scene quickly to determine the cause of the dispute and the exact sequence of events. ## Context Incidents of internal gunfire among security forces are rare in India and usually prompt thorough internal investigations. The CISF, tasked with protecting critical infrastructure, relies on strict discipline and teamwork, making such breakdowns significant. The probe will likely focus on the motive behind the quarrel and any gaps in unit cohesion.