Varanasi, July 4 (IANS) Three people outside the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi sustained injuries from the resulting shrapnel after a PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) jawan on duty near Gate No. 4B of the temple accidentally fired gunshots, officials said on Saturday.

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred when the PAC jawan’s carbine allegedly went off accidentally.

Panic ensued at the spot following the incident, though the police quickly brought the situation under control.

The injured individuals have been identified as Nikki Gupta, Ram Babu, and Vikas Yadav.

Immediately after the incident, the police and temple administration sent the injured to the hospital for treatment.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Gaurav Banswal said that the carbine slipped from the hands of the PAC jawan stationed outside the temple, causing two rounds to fire.

“Both shots hit the ground, but shrapnel struck three flower-garland vendors present at the spot. One person was hit in the hand, another in the waist, and the third in the leg,” he added.

He said that none of the three sustained serious injuries.

“All three have been admitted to the hospital, and their condition is stable,” DCP Banswal added.

Vikas Yadav, one of the injured, recounted that the gunshot was fired while he was at his flower-garland stall.

“The PAC jawan was standing with his carbine held behind him when the weapon discharged. Later, other police personnel arrived and took the jawan away. Vikas Yadav also mentioned that after the incident, police personnel collected and removed the shrapnel from the spot,” Yadav said.

“I was hit by shrapnel in my hand and waist. A total of three people were injured,” he added.

Another injured person, Ram Babu, said that the shot from the PAC jawan’s carbine went off suddenly. He sustained shrapnel injuries to his leg and hand.

–IANS

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