A police officer accidentally shot dead a 64-year-old man at homecoming celebrations in Guwahati for Olympic bronze medal winning boxer Mary Kom, officials said on Tuesday.

Kom was greeted by large crowds in Churachandpur town in Manipur when the reception in her honour was interrupted by the gunshot.

The victim was rushed to hospital but died of his injuries after the accident on Sunday, while the police constable has been arrested.

"It was a freak accidental firing that led to the death of a man named Dongjapao during the celebrations," police official A Singh told AFP by telephone.

Singh said the cultural and entertainment programme had continued after the shooting.

Kom, who was born in a village near Churachandpur, had to settle for bronze at London 2012 after she was beaten by Britain's Nicola Adams, who went on to win the gold medal.