Andhra constable injured as rifle misfires during Rajnath Singh's Vizag visit
Synopsis
A routine security deployment at INS Dega turned dangerous on Tuesday when an Andhra Pradesh Armed Reserve constable's SLR accidentally discharged during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's Visakhapatnam visit. Constable Appalakonda was found unconscious with serious chest injuries, even as Singh proceeded with the landmark launch of Fleet Support Ship-1 at Hindustan Shipyard Limited nearby.
Key Takeaways
Armed Reserve constable Appalakonda of the Andhra Pradesh Special Police Battalion was seriously injured when his SLR accidentally discharged at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam on 6 October 2026 .
The constable sustained injuries to the lower left side of his chest and was found unconscious; he was rushed to hospital and was under close medical observation.
The incident occurred during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit, while Appalakonda was guarding the minister's aircraft.
Senior officials visited the site and authorities have launched a formal investigation into the circumstances of the misfire.
Separately, Rajnath Singh launched Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1) at Hindustan Shipyard Limited and later inaugurated HAL Koraput's 2,000th aero-engine delivery milestone in Odisha .
An Andhra Pradesh Police constable was seriously injured on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, after his service rifle accidentally discharged while he was on security duty at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to the city. The incident drew immediate attention from senior officials and prompted an investigation into the circumstances of the misfire.
What Happened at INS Dega
The injured constable, identified as Appalakonda, belongs to the Andhra Pradesh Special Police Battalion's Armed Reserve (AR) unit. He was deployed to guard Rajnath Singh's aircraft when his Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) accidentally went off, according to police. Appalakonda sustained serious injuries to the lower left side of his chest.
On hearing the loud report, police and security personnel rushed to the spot and found the constable unconscious. He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he was undergoing treatment at the time of this report. Doctors were closely monitoring his condition, according to officials.
Response and Investigation
Senior officials visited the site of the incident shortly after it occurred. Authorities have launched a formal investigation to ascertain the exact sequence of events that led to the accidental discharge. The investigation is expected to examine weapon-handling protocols and the constable's deployment conditions at the time.
Rajnath Singh's Visakhapatnam Programme
The misfire took place against the backdrop of a high-profile official visit. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who had arrived in Visakhapatnam on Monday, was in the city to launch Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1) at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL). He also laid the keel of Fleet Support Ship-5 (FSS-5) and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and a new 300-tonne Goliath Crane.
The event was attended by Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Andhra Pradesh Roads, Buildings, Infrastructure and Development Minister Janardhan Reddy, Visakhapatnam MP Sribharat Mathukumilli, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Eastern Naval Command Chief Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Coast Guard Commander (Eastern Seaboard) Additional Director General Donny Michael, and HSL Chairman and Managing Director Rear Admiral C Raghuram (retd), along with senior officers of the Indian Navy and Ministry of Defence.
Singh also interacted with Navy personnel during a 'Badakhana' function before the formal proceedings.
Singh's Onward Journey to Koraput
After completing his Visakhapatnam engagements, the Defence Minister departed for Koraput, Odisha, where he inaugurated the second Shakti Engine Manufacturing Unit at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). He also presided over a milestone ceremony marking the delivery of HAL Koraput Division's 2,000th aero-engine — a significant moment in India's indigenous defence manufacturing journey.
Investigations into the rifle misfire at INS Dega are ongoing, and the condition of constable Appalakonda will be closely watched in the coming hours.
Point of View
Symbolised by the FSS-1 launch at HSL the same day, deserves cleaner headlines than one clouded by a preventable on-duty accident.
NationPress
6 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was injured in the Visakhapatnam rifle misfire incident?
Armed Reserve constable Appalakonda , attached to the Andhra Pradesh Special Police Battalion , was injured when his Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) accidentally discharged at INS Dega on 6 October 2026 . He sustained serious injuries to the lower left side of his chest and was found unconscious before being rushed to hospital.
Why was the constable deployed at INS Dega?
Constable Appalakonda was on security duty to guard Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's aircraft at INS Dega , Visakhapatnam , during the minister's official visit to the city on Tuesday, 6 October 2026 .
What is the current condition of the injured constable?
The constable was taken to a nearby hospital and was undergoing treatment, with doctors closely monitoring his condition, according to officials. No further update on his status had been issued at the time of this report.
What was Defence Minister Rajnath Singh doing in Visakhapatnam?
Rajnath Singh was in Visakhapatnam to launch Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1) at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) , lay the keel of FSS-5 , and inaugurate the upgraded Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath Crane . He later travelled to Koraput, Odisha , for additional defence-sector events at HAL .
Has an investigation been launched into the misfire?
Yes, authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact circumstances that caused the SLR to accidentally discharge. Senior officials visited the scene, and the probe is expected to examine weapon-handling protocols and maintenance records.
