DSP Dies in Accidental Firing While Cleaning Service Revolver

A 55-year-old Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Yogesh Kumar Sharma , died on Tuesday after an accidental discharge from his service revolver at his official residence in Phagwara, police said.

The incident occurred at the Police Quarters near GN College along the Phagwara bypass Gaunspur service road, where Sharma was reportedly cleaning his weapon. During the process, a shot was accidentally fired , striking him in the chest and leaving him critically injured.

He was immediately rushed to the Civil Hospital in Phagwara, where doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.

Phagwara Superintendent of Police Madhvi Sharma confirmed that the bullet hit the DSP in the chest, leading to his death. Police officials described the incident as a tragic accident .

Sharma had previously served in the Anti-Narcotics Task Force and was recently transferred to Chandigarh.

Preliminary findings suggest the firing occurred during routine handling of the firearm. Such accidents can happen if a weapon is not fully unloaded before cleaning, or if there is a lapse in basic safety protocols such as checking the chamber, engaging the safety mechanism, or improper handling of a loaded firearm. Even trained personnel can be vulnerable if standard procedures are overlooked.

Further investigation is underway to establish the exact sequence of events, though no foul play is suspected at this stage.

The incident has raised concerns about firearm safety practices , even among experienced officers, underscoring the importance of strict adherence to handling protocols at all times.