Coimbatore: A security guard hailing from Palakkad was found dead with a gunshot wound at the Sulur Air Force Station on Sunday morning. The deceased has been identified as Sanu (47), son of late Sivaraman of Pallikkandath House, Kadunthuruthi Kalimannpadam, Palakkad.

The incident occurred around 6 am at Tower No 13 inside the Air Force Station while Sanu was on duty. Preliminary reports suggest that he shot himself, police said. The bullet, fired from an AK-103 rifle, had struck him in the neck.

According to Sulur police, Sanu had gone home to Kadunthuruthi two weeks ago, where he reportedly sought treatment at a private hospital for mental stress. Although doctors advised regular medication, he is believed to have taken it for only two days.

Sanu returned to duty on October 12 after his leave. The next day, he reportedly told his wife Indulekha during a video call that he was feeling unwell again. On Sunday morning around 7:15 am, his colleague Srivatsan informed the family in Yakkara of Sanu’s death. Indulekha and other relatives soon arrived in Sulur.

The body was taken to the Coimbatore ESI Medical College for post-mortem examination and later handed over to the family. By Sunday night, the remains were brought to Palakkad and kept at a private hospital mortuary. The body will be taken to his home in Kadunthuruthi Kalimannpadam on Monday morning and cremated at Chandranagar electric crematorium around 9:30 am.

Sanu had earlier served in the Indian Army for about 17 years, including stints in Kashmir and Kargil. After retiring from the Army, he joined Defence Security Corps (DSC) as a guard. He was transferred to the Coimbatore Sulur Air Force Station from a naval camp in Lakshadweep.

Sulur Police have registered a case of unnatural death and said an investigation is underway.