Fazilka, 01 September (H.S.): A tragic incident took place near the India-Pakistan border in Fazilka district, where an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Border Security Force (BSF) died after falling from a bridge during a checking operation. The deceased, identified as ASI Lakha Singh, was posted with the 19th Battalion of the BSF and was a resident of Moga district.

According to eyewitnesses and local residents, a BSF team had set up a checkpoint on a drain bridge near Noor Shah village to check suspicious vehicles. During the checking, ASI Lakha Singh reportedly stopped a vehicle and was inspecting it when he lost his balance and fell from the bridge.

Villagers said that one side of the bridge does not have a railing, which may have contributed to the accident. ASI Lakha Singh sustained serious injuries in the fall. His fellow BSF personnel immediately took him to the Government Hospital in Fazilka, where doctors declared him dead.

Following the incident, local residents expressed concern over the condition of the bridge. Villager Jagir Singh and others said that the railing on one side of the drain bridge has been missing for a long time, creating a constant risk of accidents.

The villagers alleged that they had repeatedly requested the administration and government authorities to repair the bridge and install a railing, but no effective action had been taken so far.

Government Hospital doctor Prateek said that the BSF team brought the jawan's body to the hospital late on Monday night. The body has been kept in the mortuary for post-mortem examination.

The concerned police station has also been informed about the incident. According to the doctor, further legal proceedings will be carried out after the post-mortem report is received.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH