The incident, which occurred at 7.45pm at the barracks for the CRPF troopers at the rear of the residential complex, prompted Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to order that checks be conducted to assess the stress levels among security personnel posted in the state.

Trooper Anand Kumar Singh, who was part of the CRPF contingent guarding Azad's residence, used his service weapon to shoot an inspector and two sub-inspectors following a quarrel with them. The cause of the argument was not known.

Singh, who hails from Bihar, also tried to shoot another of his colleagues, Havildar Vipin, who, however, managed to escape. The trooper then surrendered to police with his weapon.

This was the latest in a series of incidents wherein security personnel have gunned down their colleagues following a quarrel.

There were several cases in recent years of paramilitary troopers and Indian Army soldiers gunning down their superiors after being refused leave.

Officials have blamed a majority of these incidents on the high levels of stress associated with prolonged deployment for counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir. Azad said he has asked for 'stress checks' to be conducted for all security personnel.

Speaking to IANS after the incident, Azad said: "I was working at the time and I suddenly heard gunshots. My special security group immediately shut all the doors to protect me."