Jhargram, 4 September (H.S.): In a shocking incident late Wednesday night, a police sub-inspector of the Junglemahal Battalion allegedly shot dead his parents before turning the gun on himself in Jhargram, West Bengal.

The officer, identified as Jaidev Chattopadhyay (32), used his service revolver in the crime, police said. While his father Debabrata Chattopadhyay (62) and mother Shampa Chattopadhyay (50) died on the spot, Jaidev sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Jhargram Medical College and Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.

According to sources, Jaidev was originally a resident of Asansol and had been staying in a rented house near the Jhargram Police Lines along with his parents. He was unmarried.

Neighbours alerted police after hearing gunshots from the house. Responding officers found Jaidev and his parents lying in pools of blood. Doctors later declared both parents dead. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination.

Preliminary investigation suggests that Jaidev shot his parents before attempting suicide. However, officials said it was too early to draw conclusions before the probe is completed.

Police sources revealed that Jaidev had taken leave on September 2, 3, and 4. Investigators are now trying to ascertain what may have triggered the crime during this period.

Colleagues described Jaidev as a devoted son. “Sir loved his parents deeply and took great care of them. We are all shocked by what has happened,” one fellow officer said.

Reports suggest that Jaidev’s father had been suffering from a prolonged illness, which might have put the sub-inspector under considerable mental stress. Police are examining whether this pressure could have been a contributing factor.

The gruesome incident has sent shockwaves across Jhargram, with police continuing to investigate all possible angles.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh