Wednesday, August 31 2005 10:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable, on guard duty at the Rashtrapati Bhavan was found dead in the wee hours of the day, which prima facie appeared to be a case of suicide.

Krishna Kumar, 29, was found with a single gunshot wound in the chest at the sentry post at the gates of the sprawling presidential palace at around 3:00 a.m., police said.

His colleagues rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to the injuries on the way.

Kumar, of the 81st Battalion of CISF, hailed from Chhatisgarh and had resumed duty only yesterday (Aug 30, 2005)after a leave.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi district) Anita Roy said while prima facie it appeared to be a case of suicide the possibility of accidental firing could not be ruled out.

"We cannot say anything for certain until we receive the forensic report," Roy told sources.

The shot was apparently fired from the constable's service revolver.

A fortnight back a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan, posted at Union Minister Dayanidhi Maran's Akbar Road residence in high security New Delhi distrcit, had shot dead his senior colleague, apparently due to some personal enmity.