A Night of Shock and Sorrow: Police Constable Kills Colleague in Bihar
In a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing event, a Bihar Police constable shot and killed his fellow officer at the Bettiah Police Line in West Champaran district late Saturday night. The shocking incident, which occurred around 10:20 pm, has sent shockwaves through the local police force and the victim’s family, highlighting an urgent need to address mental health and interpersonal tensions within the ranks.
The Incident: 11 Bullets, One Life Lost
According to the police, Constable Sarvjeet Kumar opened fire on his colleague, Constable Sonu Kumar, using his Self-Loading Rifle (SLR). The brutal attack resulted in 11 bullet wounds to the victim, killing him instantly. Authorities reported that a total of 12 rounds were fired during the assault, with 11 empty cartridges and one live round recovered from the scene.
The sheer brutality and suddenness of the attack have left fellow officers and family members in a state of disbelief.
Recent Transfers and Rising Tensions :
Both Officers Had Just Joined Bettiah Police Line Bihar
Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Vivek Deep told ANI that both constables had recently been transferred to the Bettiah Police Line and had been working closely. “They were working together and had just been transferred here,” he said.
According to the initial investigation, the accused, Sarvjeet Kumar, cited “family issues” and a heated argument with the deceased as the cause of his mental breakdown. This claim adds another complex layer to an already tragic story—raising questions about the mental well-being of police personnel under stress.
A Family Left Broken
Sonu Kumar’s death is not just a loss to the police department—it is an unimaginable tragedy for his family. In a profession built on discipline, duty, and camaraderie, no one expects a colleague to turn into a killer. Sonu’s family members are devastated, mourning a life taken too soon and in such a violent manner.
Neighbors and relatives described Sonu as a dedicated officer and a kind-hearted man who always stood by his duties. His untimely death has left a gaping void in his family and community.
Mental Health in the Forces: A Silent Emergency
This heartbreaking case underscores a growing and often overlooked issue: mental health in the armed forces and police departments. Long hours, frequent transfers, exposure to violence, and personal life stressors create a volatile mix. When not addressed, they can lead to unimaginable consequences—as seen in this tragic case.
Constable Sarvjeet Kumar’s reported mental breakdown during an argument points to deeper, systemic issues. If a police officer, trained to handle pressure, can lose control to this extent, it becomes imperative for law enforcement agencies to introduce regular psychological counseling, conflict management training, and stress-relief mechanisms.
A Department in Mourning, A State in Shock
The Bihar Police Force is grappling with the shock of one officer turning his weapon against another. This kind of internal breakdown not only shatters morale but also raises critical concerns about recruitment practices, team dynamics, and emotional intelligence in high-pressure jobs.
Senior officials have assured a thorough investigation into the incident and are taking steps to prevent such occurrences in the future. The incident has also triggered internal reviews and appeals for improved grievance redressal systems within the department.
What Happens Next?
Constable Sarvjeet Kumar has been taken into custody, and a formal investigation is underway. Authorities are examining every detail—from the sequence of the argument to the psychological state of the accused. CCTV footage, weapon analysis, and forensic tests will be crucial in establishing the complete picture.
Meanwhile, Sonu Kumar’s body has been sent for post-mortem, and his last rites will be conducted in his native village, where an entire community awaits to bid farewell to their beloved son.
A Call for Change in Bihar
This tragedy should not fade from public memory as just another crime statistic. It must serve as a wake-up call for police departments across the country. Officers need support—emotional, psychological, and social. Training in weapon use must go hand-in-hand with training in empathy, stress control, and emotional resilience.
The loss of Constable Sonu Kumar is irreversible, but systemic reforms can ensure that no more lives are lost to unchecked stress, unresolved conflict, or institutional silence.
