Coach, neighbors and others including social workers who have extended support to national level rifle shooter Konika Layak during her days of struggle at Dhanbad expressed shock over her sudden death. The 26-year-old shooter was found hanging in her hostel room in Howrah, which falls under Bali Police station.

Konika, daughter of small time trader, Pratho Prateem Layak and homemaker, Veena Sharma Layak, residents of Anugrah Nagar locality of Dhanbad. The shooter had been undergoing training at Joydeep Karmakar Shooting Academy at Calcutta since August this year.

Konika who scored maximum (404 Points) among all the participants of Jharkhand during National Rifle Shooting Competition in 2017 besides several other events could not qualify for the senior national team in 2018 twice, despite participating in the trial due to lack of rifle and practice.

Dhanbad-based social activist Ankit Rajgharia, had campaigned to raise funds worth Rs 1.8 lakh through the local community for her. Actor Sonu Sood responding to the issue raised by Rajgharia also contributed around Rs 45000 for the purchase of a German Rifle, earlier this year.

Talking to The Telegraph Online today, Rajendra Singh Vidhi, Secretary of Dhanbad District Shooting Association who is also the treasurer of Dhanbad Rifle Club said, “I am deeply shocked over her death. I have been her coach, mentor and guide for the last eight years.”

“She was hardworking, brave and had a tough mind and her demise at such a young age is a great loss to the shooting fraternity of the state,” said Vidhi.

“I had a talk with the parents of the deceased and I consoled them on behalf of the association. We will hold a condolence after her cremation is done,” said Vidhi.

Ankit Rajgarhia, said, “People of Dhanbad ,including those who were close to her cannot believe that such a brave girl who fought against all odds can commit suicide.” She added, “We demand a fair probe from the Bengal government into her death. We smell a rat behind the suicide theory,” said Rajgarhia.