Suicide bid at Omar Abdullah's residence

NEW DELHI: An ITBP jawan posted at former Union Minister Omar Abdullah's official residence here was injured when he shot himself with his service rifle in a suspected stress-driven suicide bid on Thursday.

Sahdev Singh, a head constable, sustained a bullet wound on his right shoulder when he turned the gun on himself at the Lok Sabha MP's 7, Akbar Road residence. He is admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia hospital.

The jawan, said to be in his early 30s and hailing from Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh, is stated to be out of danger as the bullet grazed past his shoulder.

Sahdev had sought replacement from his present posting and his reliever had already been appointed by the force.

The National Conference leader was not in the house at the time of the incident.

Suicides by paramilitary personnel have been on the rise, prompting the forces to organise yoga classes, recreational facilities, games and psychiatrist consultation for reducing their stress levels among jawans.

As many as 113 paramilitary officers and personnel had taken their lives due to professional and personal reasons last year, an increase of around 14 per cent compared to 2005, official figures showed.

The majority of those committed suicide are from the BSF and the CRPF. Five personnel of the ITBP also took their lives in the last 12 months.