Two Agniveers were killed on Thursday after an Indian field gun shell exploded during firing practice in Maharashtra. The incident occurred at the Artillery Centre in the Nashik Road area on Thursday afternoon. The two Agniveers — identified as 20-year-old Gohil Vishwaraj Singh and 21-year-old Saifat Shit were killed on impact.
According to officials, a team of Agniveers had been firing an Indian field gun when one of the shells exploded. The duo sustained injuries and were taken to MH Hospital in Deolali, where they were pronounced dead.
A case of accidental death was registered with the Deolali Camp police on the basis of a complaint by Havildar Ajit Kumar. Officials said further investigations remained underway.
“Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi and all ranks of the army salute the supreme sacrifice of braveheart Agniveers (Gunner) Gohil Vishvarajsinh and Agniveer (Gunner) Saikat, who laid down their lives in the line of duty while undergoing training at the firing ranges,” the army said in a post on X.
The army has ordered a court of inquiry to find out the exact cause of the accident.
The incident comes mere days after a 24-year-old Agniveer was killed by a fire extinguisher blast during a mock drill in the Bharatpur area of Rajasthan. DSP Anil Jasoria said a fire extinguisher exploded and Agniveer Saurabh Pal sustained injuries during a mock drill in a training camp of Golpura Army Area last week on Friday.
The Agnipath scheme, announced by the government in June 2022, is designed to promote a youthful profile within the Armed Forces. Those recruited under the scheme are known as ‘Agniveers.’ The government has repeatedly stated that there will be numerous job opportunities and other avenues for those not retained in the defense forces after the four year term.
(With inputs from agencies)
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