Imphal, January 27: The Assam Rifles authorities have ordered an inquiry to ascertain the circumstances leading to the death of an officer of the Rifles hailing from the State.

Holding the rank of Captain and posted to the 1 Assam Rifles's Chasad post in Aishi area of Ukhrul district, 33-year-old Bachaspatimayum Lakhikanta Sharma of Khwai Brahmapur Nagamapal reportedly died after his service weapon (9 mm) accidentally went off while a team of the para-military force was on patrolling duty close to the post last night.

Police station concerned has registered a case on the matter, said police sources even as AR authorities maintained that preliminary report indicates the officer might have succumbed to the accidental firing.

However, a family member of the deceased officer refuses to accept the accidental firing theory and further informed that Lakhikanta was recently promoted to Field Major.

"Because of hectic preparations for conducting the last rites of my younger brother we have not yet decided whether we shall put our demand before the Rifles' authorities for conducting an inquiry into the matter," said an emotionally drained sister.

An Assam Rifles official stationed here conceded he was unable to gather the exact report on the matter from the unit concerned.

"It is confirmed that one officer died but I can't comment in detail until and unless I receive an explicit report from the said unit," he said.

Body of the deceased officer had been brought for post mortem at the mortuary of RIMS today.

CRPF man succumbs : A personnel of the 143rd CRPF Bn posted in Imphal West DC office complex at Lamphelpat who has been undergoing treatment at RIMS after he shot himself on November 6 last year succumbed today at RIMS.

The deceased is identified as A Marugan (36).He succumbed at about 9.50 am today.

Post mortem examination has also been conducted.