What does fratricide mean?

Fratricide is derived from the Latin word frater “brother” and the assimilated root “to kill, to cut down” is the act of killing one’s brother.

It can either be done directly or via the use of either a hired or an indoctrinated intermediary (an assassin). The victim need not be the perpetrator’s biological brother. In a military context, fratricide refers to a service member killing a comrade.

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At least five Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were killed on Sunday after their colleague allegedly opened fire at a force camp in Punjab’s Amritsar, officials said.

The incident took place at the force mess in Khasa area, about 20 km short of the Attari-Wagah border crossing along the India-Pakistan international front.

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The jawan who opened fire was among the five personnel killed. One jawan is stated to be injured.

Senior officers of the border force have rushed to the spot, they said.