A controversial Haryana cadre IPS officer posted as election officer in Ariyalur in Tamil Nadu crazily fired as many as nine gun shots in air in the middle of night for reasons better known to him.

The officer of the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP), identified as Hemant Kalson, was reportedly in an inebriated state when the incident took place.

Late on Sunday, the Governor of Haryana on a noting by the Election Commission placed the 2001-cadre IPS officer under suspension.

Before going as election observer in TN, Kalson was posted as IG Home Guard in Panchkula near here. He was staying in the circuit house near the Ariyalur collector office in southern state of Tamil Nadu.

Panic spread in the area with people fearing casualties after hearing several rounds of gun shots. Many staying in the circuit house rushed to the spot. No one was injured in the firing. An FIR has been registered against the police officer.

In a drunk state, Kalson came out of his accommodation and asked the security deployed there if their weapon was loaded and would fire. On a confirmation from the constable, the IPS officer took the gun from him and indiscriminately started to fire bullets in the air.

The security staff informed the Ariyalur collector who along with the local Superintendent of Police and other senior officers reached the spot to take stock of the situation.

The election commission were apprised of the developments. While the reason for this senseless display of behavior by the IPS officer is now under probe, it remains to be seen if Kalson did it under the alleged influence of liquor or for some other reason.

Kalson isn’t new to controversies. His video went viral after his involvement in a road rage case last year in October in Pinjore near here. He was also roughed up by the mob after the road rage incident.