NEW DELHI, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- A paramilitary trooper of India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Saturday killed four of his colleagues and wounded one using his service rifle in central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, officials said.
The fratricide took place in Naxal-affected Basaguda in Bijapur district, about 457 km southwest of Raipur, the capital city of Chattisgarh.
"This evening, CRPF paramilitary trooper posted at Basaguda camp opened fire on his five colleagues," a senior police official said. "Four of his colleagues including three superiors died on the spot, while one was left wounded."
Reports said the paramilitary trooper fired on his colleagues following an altercation.
The bodies along with the wounded were brought to Bijapur from Basaguda.
The accused paramilitary trooper was taken into custody.
Authorities have ordered an inquiry into the incident of fratricide.
Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh has expressed grief over the killing of four paramilitary troopers and prayed for the speedy recovery of the wounded.
New Delhi has deployed several companies of its paramilitary forces in Chhattisgarh to take on Naxals in their strongholds.
Incidents of suicides and fratricides among stationed troops across India have been reported in the past.
Health experts say continued separation from family, long duty hours, lack of recreational facilities, poor command and control structure were usually found to be reasons behind such incidents.
