Varanasi: Devotees at the revered Baba Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple were jolted on Saturday when an accidental firing from a PAC jawan's carbine left three bystanders injured near Gate No. 4.
Police identified the injured as Nikyni Gupta, Ram Babu, and Vikas Yadav. The bullet reportedly ricocheted off a stone, shattering it into chips that struck the trio. All were rushed to the Divisional Hospital, Kabirchaura, where doctors confirmed they had received first aid and were out of danger.
According to officials, the incident occurred as PAC soldier Amarnath Chauhan, a 1987-batch jawan from the 48th PAC Battalion, was clearing crowds of devotees. Chauhan is due to retire in 2027.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Shiv Hari Meena visited the injured and inspected the site, assuring that a thorough investigation is underway.
While prima facie evidence points to an accidental discharge, authorities are examining whether negligence in security protocols played a role.
Police said further action will follow once the inquiry clarifies the sequence of events.