CISF blames Namdeo parents

Foxed by what instigated the bizarre shootout by its constable Ramnarayan Namdeo8217;s at Mumbai8217;s Sahar International Airport on May ...

Foxed by what instigated the bizarre shootout by its constable Ramnarayan Namdeo8217;s at Mumbai8217;s Sahar International Airport on May 24 that led to the killing of his superior, a CISF inquiry has pinned the blame on Namdeo8217;s parents for instilling in him a 8216;8216;hate officer8217;8217; attitude during his early years.

Based on the inquiry report, the CISF has apprised Home Ministry of its plans to engage an independent agency to carry out a study of stress levels among its personnel. Trained women officials will also be posted to counsel its personnel on family matters, said official sources.

The report, which was submitted to the Home Ministry last week, states that Namdeo8217;s father Lalit Prasad 8212; a head constable in the CISF 8212; has a poor record and had been overlooked for promotion. As a result, the inquiring officials felt that his son had been entertaining a 8216;8216;hate officer attitude imbibed from his parents8217;8217;.

According to the report, Namdeo, who did not enjoy a healthy relationship with his Deputy Commandant Arun Karanjekar, shot him dead for personal reasons. Given the attitude of disrespect he had for senior officers, the report says, he found it difficult to accept a denial from them to any of his requests. The report notes he was annoyed after fellow constable Ashok8217;s request for leave was turned down by Karanjekar. Namdeo had apparently arranged for Ashok to escort his mother to Vaishno Devi.

The report also observes that in contrast to several of his colleagues, Namdeo had been availing leave regularly and was staying in a proper accomodation with his parents. Terming this as a possible 8216;8216;immediate provocation8217;8217; for his shooting spree, the inquiring officals admit: 8216;8216;Namdeo is a peculiar case who requires deep psychological study. Even the inquiring offcials are at their wit8217;s end to know the exact cause or provocation.8217;8217;

Reconstructing the chain of events of the day, the inquiry team states that Namdeo misled a constable in the apron area of the airport. He took charge of the constable8217;s self-loading rifle asking him to rush to the Deputy Commandant who wanted to see him.

Armed with the gun, he entered the security hold area where he shot dead Karanjekar and took hostage a woman constable on duty. He apparently also fired two shots at another constable, which fortunately missed the target.

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The report has also notes 8216;8216;deriliction of duty8217;8217; on the part of the constable who gave Namdeo the gun as well as those who let him enter the security hold where no person with arms has access. The inquiry ultimately recommends stern disciplinary action against Namdeo and others for not performing their duty properly.

It is understood that more than Namdeo it is the 8216;8216;Namdeo effect8217;8217; that the CISF is worried about. Apart from the steps suggested in the report, the CISF has already given out instructions to include yoga and meditation in its training schedule. It will also increase the number of senior constables at airports to lend a 8216;8216;sobering effect to young minds8217;8217;, sources said.