Siliguri, 06 January (H.S.): Panic gripped the Bidhan Nagar area of Siliguri on Tuesday afternoon when gunfire erupted inside a state-owned bank. Five people, including a child, were injured in the incident. The other injured include two women and two men. The shooting caused widespread panic in the bank premises, and all bank services were temporarily suspended.
As per information, the incident occurred around 1:30 PM. The bank was crowded with customers due to the beginning of the month, and long queues had formed for transactions. Suddenly, the sound of gunfire was heard, and bullets scattered inside the bank, injuring five people. The incident triggered a stampede-like situation inside the bank due to the panic.
On information, the police from Bidhan Nagar police station immediately rushed to the spot. Preliminary investigations revealed that the security guard stationed outside the bank had briefly entered the premises. During this time, his weapon accidentally fell from his hand, causing it to discharge unintentionally.
The police initially admitted all the injured to a local nursing home, from where they were later transferred to the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital. As per information, all the injured are bank customers. Their condition is currently reported to be stable.
However, several questions are being raised about how such a serious incident could occur due to a security guard dropping his weapon. The police are conducting a detailed investigation into the entire matter. The bank has been cordoned off for security reasons, and banking services remain completely suspended. According to the police, the bank employees are safe.
Soumyajit Roy, SDPO of Naxalbari, said, “We are examining the CCTV footage. The concerned security guard is being questioned, and statements have also been taken from the bank employees. The condition of the injured is currently stable. A thorough investigation will be conducted into all aspects of the incident.”
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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
