Sarod Bindu Chakma, 28, was on duty at the armoury when at 1:30am he shot dead his friend Constable Nirupom Chakma, 30, who was asleep on the upper floor.

Sarod came down and shot himself with his rifle. He died on the way to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barisal, police said.

Panic ran through the police lines after the shots. Apprehending criminal attack, the residents ran helter-skelter, resulting in injuries to half a dozen police.

Sarod and Nirupam hailed from Khagrachhari and were formerly members of the Shanti Bahini. They were inducted into police service after surrendering with arms.

Police said they are yet to know the motive behind the killing, adding that the two were on strained relations for the last few days.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Golam Mostafa and other senior officers visited the Police Lines yesterday.