Accused was overconfident of his weapon skills: Police

The 27-year-old Quick Response Team constable, who accidentally shot another constable from his Smith & Wesson 9mm service pistol within the Additional Commissioner of Police office premises in Bandra (West) on Wednesday, was a touch overconfident about his expertise in handling weapons.

The 27-year-old Quick Response Team (QRT) constable, who accidentally shot another constable from his Smith & Wesson 9mm service pistol within the Additional Commissioner of Police office premises in Bandra (West) on Wednesday, was a touch overconfident about his expertise in handling weapons.

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Investigators now state, the weapon fired because he was trying to show-off his expertise to his colleagues.
Shekhar Dighe, the QRT constable, who has been charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, was trying to load and unload the magazine without looking at the weapon. “These are some of the basics — of what not to do with a weapon —taught to policemen when they are trained to handle a weapon,” said a police officer, requesting anonymity.

“But Dighe had a habit to be over smart and showing off his skill amongst his colleagues,” said the officer.

Dighe was produced before Bandra Metropolitan Magistrate’s court and was remanded till May 10 to police custody. Dighe’s overconfidence killed Shyam Padvi (30), a designated driver for the newly acquired Mumbai police’s combat vehicle.

The Bandra police have questioned around 10 police officials with the QRT, and have taken the statements of Dighe and two constables who were present at the spot.

“We are also recording the statement of the tea vendor whose stall is located opposite the QRT office. The vendor heard the gunshot and Dighe, Padvi, along with other two constables ordered tea from the vendor and were waiting for it to be delivered when the incident took place,” another officer said.

The prosecution held that they needed the custody of the accused, as they had to investigate whether the accused was on inimical terms with the victim.