New Delhi: Indian Air Force (IAF) vice-chief and a hero of the Pathankot operations, Air Marshal SB Deo (photo courtesy: Twitter/@IAF_MCC), suffered a minor injury on Wednesday when his pistol fired accidentally while he was keeping his gun on a table.

The ace fighter pilot, due to retire in the next few days, always carries a pistol after his experience in the Pathankot attacks.

Deo was the Western Air Command chief when he went to Pathankot himself to ensure the safety of fighter aircraft at the important base.

The officer was keeping his pistol on the table when the gun accidentally fired and bruised his thigh, IAF officials said.

Deo would be discharged from hospital soon.