CHENNAI: A 29-year-old constable, M Mahalingam of E Kottaipatti village in Peraiyur taluk of Madurai district, shot himself to death while on security duty. The incident occurred at around 3.30 am, on Thursday, on the premises of the Madurai bench of Madras High Court.

The cop died by suicide after allegedly facing severe mental stress. He was posted on guard duty at the High Court, deployed at its entrance on the fateful night. Earlier, the ill-fated cop was walking around carrying an SLR gun.

Much to the shock of his fellow cops, they heard the sound of gunfire and ran towards that direction. Mahalingam was found lying in a pool of blood, bleeding from his chest. Subsequently, the gunshot victim was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead.

On being alerted, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Madurai City, GS Anitha, inspected the spot. Mahalingam joined the police force (Battalion) in 2023, sources said.

Commissioner of Police, Madurai City, J Loganathan, when contacted, said the victim was in a dispute with his family over a love affair over the last few days. A suicide note was found in his pocket, and further investigation is on.

Sources added that the suicide note does not say anybody is responsible for his death. High Court police have filed a case.