An INSAS rifle, suspected to have been used in the firing at the Bhatinda Military Station where four soldiers were killed on Wednesday morning, has been found, the Army said. The rifle was earlier reported missing with 28 rounds two days back.
"A search team has located the INSAS rifle along with the magazine. Army and police joint teams will now be undertaking forensic analysis of the weapon for ascertaining further details," the Army's South Western Command said.
"The balance number of rounds in the weapon will only be available after forensic analysis. The joint investigation with Punjab Police is in progress," it said.
Unknown assailants opened fire at four Army jawans in highly secured Punjab's Bathinda military station campus today morning. The incident was reported at 4:35 AM, the Army had informed, adding that quick-reaction teams were activated.
"A firing incident reported in the early hours of the morning around 04:35 hours inside Bathinda Military Station. Quick Reaction Teams were activated and the area was cordoned off and sealed," the Army said in a statement.
The state police ruled out the terror angle. According to Punjab's Additional Director General of Police, SPS Parmar, "It is not a terrorist attack, it is not an attack from outside. It is a fratricidal incident".
Punjab Minister Anmol Gagan Maan reiterated the same. "It is a matter of an internal fight. I have spoken to SSP and investigation is underway," Maan said on the Bathinda Military Station firing incident.
The Army said no individual has been detained or apprehended for the killing. All possible assistance is being provided to the police, it said.
(With PTI Inputs)
