A police constable from Uttar Pradesh, Mohammad Yakoob, was fatally shot when a bullet “accidentally” discharged from the jammed pistol of a sub inspector (SI) and hit him in the head. SI Rajeev Kumar was also injured.

The incident took place on Wednesday during a raid in Aligarh district, where the team had gone to arrest cow slaughter suspects. According to the official report, SI Rajeev was trying to load the jammed pistol when it fired. The bullet passed through his abdomen before striking constable Yakoob in the head.

SI Rajeev is currently receiving medical treatment. A video of the injured SI has emerged on social media where he explained that he and his team were acting on a tip-off to arrest suspects involved in cow slaughter. He said that during the raid, his pistol didn’t work, and while trying to fix it, a bullet was suddenly fired. This bullet pierced though his stomach and hit constable Yakoob in the head.

He said Yakoob died of his injuries on the way to the hospital. However, the family of the deceased expressed doubts about the official explanation and demanded a thorough investigation.

“The police told us that a bullet struck my son’s head after loading a jammed gun. I am not able to understand how the bullet hit his head,” Yakoob’s father told reporters.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also raised suspicion over the constable’s death. The Hyderabad MP wrote on X, “A jammed pistol – accidentally got fired- pierced SIs abdomen and hits Yqaoobs head , so what must have Yaqoob body position at the time of fire ???? ? I am sure inquiry will be done.”

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sanjiv Suman has ordered an investigation into the incident.