Suspected smuggler shoot self in Rajasthan

A 35-year-old suspected narcotics smuggler allegedly shot himself dead after being surrounded by police in Rajasthan's Pali district, police said today.

Kharta Ram and Bhajan Lal were allegedly smuggling some narcotics substance last night. Lal was caught, while Ram managed to escape, a police official said.

Pali Superintendent Of Police Rahul Prakash said Ram -- who is said to have a criminal record -- was surrounded by police on a hilly terrain, but he allegedly opened fire at them and later shot himself dead with a pistol.

No policemen were injured in the firing. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, the SP added.