Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 19 February 2024
A STS DRM posted at Kamorta Island faced an unfortunate incident on February 18, 2024, when he was struck by an airgun pellet near his residence, resulting in abdominal injury. The incident occurred while the victim was engaged in conversation with a friend who had returned from a hunting trip in the jungle with his airgun.
According to the victim’s statement provided to the police, the accused allegedly carelessly directed the barrel of the loaded airgun towards him, leading to an automatic accidental discharge. The victim sustained injuries to his abdomen from the pellet, causing him to bleed. Swift action was taken by the accused and another individual present at the scene, who promptly transported the injured DRM to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Nancowrie using a scooter.
Upon arrival at CHC Nancowrie, the victim was admitted for medical treatment to address the injuries caused by the airgun pellet. Meanwhile, a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the accused under Section 338 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertains to causing grievous hurt due to rash or negligent acts endangering human life or personal safety.
Section 338 IPC states, ‘Whoever causes grievous hurt to any person by doing any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or the personal safety of others, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with a fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.’