Shahdol, Jan 23 : In a deeply distressing incident, a 29-year-old police constable committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle while on guard duty at the Shahdol Police Lines reserve centre in Madhya Pradesh on Friday.

The deceased has been identified as Constable Shishir Singh Rajput.

He was performing quarter guard duty when the tragedy occurred around 1.25 a.m.

According to preliminary reports, Rajput shot himself near the neck/chin area with his issued service rifle; the bullet passed through his head, resulting in instantaneous death at the scene,â?? Raghvendra Tiwari, in-charge, Kotwali police station, told IANS.

Police investigations indicate that the constable was engaged in a mobile phone conversation shortly before the incident.

An argument or intense emotional distress reportedly escalated during the call, prompting him to angrily throw his phone to the ground, breaking it. Moments later, he turned the weapon on himself.

The gunshot alerted nearby sleeping police personnel, who immediately rushed to the spot and notified senior officers.

The Kotwali police and higher-ranking officials arrived promptly, inspected the scene, collected evidence -- including the shattered mobile phone -- and initiated a thorough probe to determine the exact circumstances and triggers behind the suicide.

Rajput had joined the police force on compassionate grounds as a â??child constableâ?? in 2013 following his father's demise. Upon turning 18 in 2015, he was regularised as a constable and was currently posted in Shahdol. He is survived by his mother and three sisters.

Senior officers have informed the family and are providing necessary support.

Legal formalities, including post-mortem and further inquiries, are underway as authorities work to uncover any underlying factors contributing to this unfortunate event.

Police suicides, often linked to work-related stress, personal issues, or mental health challenges, remain a concerning issue in law enforcement circles. This case has once again highlighted the need for enhanced counselling and support mechanisms within the force.

/IANS