Two persons were injured in an accidental firing at the Ranaghat sub-divisional office on Monday when the owner of a revolver inadvertently pulled the trigger as he was unloading the cartridges before its submission for renewal of arms licence.

While the bullet injured the index finger of revolver owner Anil Halder, a resident of Phulia in Nadia, it hit Harinarayan Halder, 73, a retired headmaster of Dhantala-Aranghata who had come to renew the licence of his double-barrel gun, in the buttock and came out through the thigh.

Both were rushed to Ranaghat sub-divisional hospital in the town. While Anil was released after primary treatment, the elderly victim was admitted to the hospital.

A doctor attending to Harinarayan said he was out of danger.

“Since the bullet went out through a point over the thigh after entering through the buttock, it can be said that the elderly patient is out of danger.”

Sources said the incident occurred about 10.15am when the renewal process of arms licence had begun at the SDO office in Ranaghat.

Anil, who had accidentally fired his revolver, said: “It was an unintended mistake on my part. I forgot to unload the cartridges. While unloading the revolver, I had inadvertently pulled the trigger and it led to the accident.”

Lying on the bed at the Ranaghat subdivisional hospital Harinarayan said: “I was standing near the counter for renewal of my double-barrel gun when I heard a sound. Within a few seconds, I felt pain in the buttock and someone pointed out that I was bleeding. They then took me to the hospital.”

SDO, Ranaghat, Rana Karmakar, said: “It appears to be a case of accidental firing. The police have begun an inquiry. However, no complaint has been lodged in connection with the incident. If required, we will take action accordingly.”