New Delhi: Amid the preparations for the closing ceremony of the 44th Chess Olympiad, an armed guard of the Chennai Police, who was on security duty at the Nehru Indoor Sports Arena, shot himself dead with his service weapon on Wednesday.
According to reports, the deceased, identified as Senthilkumar, an armed force constable from Sellur area of Madurai, was on security duty at the Nehru Indoor Stadium when he killed himself, police said.
Police recovered the body of the deceased and sent it to Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital, Chennai for post-mortem examination.
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The initial investigation suggests that the armed forces constable died by suicide after he shot himself allegedly over a family dispute, police said, adding that investigation in the matter is underway.
The closing ceremony of 44th Chess Olympiad is to take place at the Nehru stadium on August 10.
It is to be noted that the opening ceremony of the Chess Olympiad was held at the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai on July 28. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor RN Ravi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and others participated in the inaugural event.
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"There are many temples in Tamil Nadu with beautiful sculptures that represent different sports. Tamil Nadu has a strong historical connection with Chess. The state has produced many Chess masters. It's home to a vibrant culture and the oldest language 'Tamil'," PM Modi said while inaugurating the event.
On the day of the inauguration, Union minister Anurag Thakur said, “India is the land where Chess originated. Just over a month ago, we celebrated the first ever torch relay in Delhi. Today, the chess tournament is all set to begin. Sports in India getting stronger every single day."