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UDUPI: An Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) constable on sentry duty shot himself with a self-loading rifle (SLR) at the Jaddinagadde camp under Amasebailu police station limits late on Monday. The incident occurred moments before the reliever of Albert D’Souza, 38, was to take over charge. The sound of SLR going off in the camp sent personnel into a tizzy. They were seen taking positions to thwart what was initially perceived as an attack on the camp.

 Superintendent of Police MB Boralingaiah who visited the camp told TOI that Albert, a resident of Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district, placed the SLR barrel beneath his chin and pulled the trigger. ANF personnel discovered Albert’s body in a pool of blood at the sentry post. The camp is around 5-6km away from Amasebailu police station.

Boralingaiah said Albert, a constable with the seventh battalion of KSRP in Mangalore, had returned from an anti-naxal combing operation and appeared cheerful. Based on interactions with other personnel at the camp, Boralingaiah said: "Albert gave no indication of any personal or other issues bothering him. We are at a loss to explain why he resorted to such a drastic step."

 In fact, Albert had returned to the camp on January 12 after a week’s leave and had resumed work with full vigour. "Albert was engaged to a girl from Kodagu," Boralingaiah said. A case has been registered in Amasebailu police station on a complaint from Sharath, reserve police inspector.