Armed Reserve constable shoots self, survives

Saravanan (28), a native of Tirunelveli, was doing guard duty for former Madras High Court judge M V Muralidharan, who was transferred to Manipur last week. The judge took charge on Tuesday.

Saravanan was posted on duty since 9 am and around 5 pm, he shot himself on the forehead using his self-loading rifle (SLR). Other personnel, who were on duty at nearby houses, heard the sound and rushed to the spot. He was found in a pool of blood in the guard room, the police said. Saravanan had returned from his native on Tuesday night only and the police suspect that family dispute could be the reason for his attempted suicide.

The police also found a suicide note reading that no one is responsible for his death and he is taking such a decision because he did not want to live anymore. He has also asked his parents to take care of his brother’s children. His brother, too, is a policeman in their native district.

“Give my PF money to my parents. If u decide to bury me or cremate me, do it in uniform,” the note read.

Saravanan was rushed to the Royapettah Government hospital and from there he was shifted to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. Later in the night, he was shifted to Apollo Hospitals and his condition is said to be critical. The police said that they are not sure of the reason behind his action and they can only ascertain it only after detailed investigation.