Srinagar, Jan 27 - A trainee constable with Jammu and Kashmir police was found hanging in a barrack in Baramulla's Sheeri Police Training School, police said Friday.

There was speculation that Puneet Kumar took the extreme step because he had been refused leave by his seniors, but there was no official confirmation.

"A case has been registered and investigation has been started to find out the reasons behind the trainee constable's death," said a police officer here.

Fratricidal shootouts and suicides by members of the security forces have been witnessed frequently in Kashmir. Counsellors have cited long duty hours under hostile conditions, continued separation from families and lack of recreational facilities as possible reasons. (IANS)