Chodup Lepcha, 30, the police constable who randomly opened fire near the Bangladesh High Commission in Calcutta before shooting himself, had promised his sister-in-law that he would get married when he returned home during his next holiday.

The Lepcha family at Takna Gumba Goan, situated about 20km from Kalimpong town, was shocked to hear about Chodup’s firing spree.

“Chodup had promised me that he would get married when he returned for his next holiday. He had even asked me to help him find a bride and had also told me that he would buy me a Scooty when he returned,” said Pramila Pradhan, sister-in-law of the deceased constable.

Chodup’s family consists of his brother, sister-in-law and two sisters. Chodup’s father, Phurden Tshering Lepcha, was also a traffic constable with Calcutta Police but had died while in service a few years ago. Chodup’s mother had died long time back.

“Chodup had got his father’s job,” said Ongmit Lepcha, sister of Chodup. The constable had joined the force on August 16, 2021. “When he was here with us, he was very happy. He used to go out with his friends and showed no signs of being troubled by anything,” said Ongmit.

The constable had come to his native place on June 27 and left for Calcutta on Wednesday to join work.

“He even called me around 8 this morning and after a casual talk, told me that he would call me again after his work was over. We have no reason to believe that he was under depression,” said Ankit Lepcha, another sister of Chodup.

The constable had spent most of his life at the village and completed his higher secondary at the local school. “He was pretty quiet and a little shy,” said Ongmit.

The family members were first informed by an acquaintance that Chodup was sick. Then, the complete incident was narrated to the family members.

Chodup’s brother and brother-in-law left for Calcutta in the evening to bring the body to the native village.