TBILISI, DFWatch–A former police officer was shot and killed outside Tbilisi Friday night. A former deputy interior minister was seriously injured.

The deceased is Revaz Kalomletsavi, a cousin of the injured, Levan Gvazava, who is in hospital with bullet-inflicted injuries in the neck and face.

Gvazava was deputy of former Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili until 2008.

Differing versions of the shooting in Okrokana are circulating. Some say Gvazava accidently shot and killed his cousin, and then attempted to kill himself, while others say it was an armed attack.

There was a third person in the car, another cousin of Gvazava, who was questioned by police. It is not yet known to the public what he testified.

Relatives of Gvazava told Interpressnews that they rule out that it was an attack. They say he shot Kalomletsavi by accident. They say Gvazava was on his way to his brother’s house to mark Mariamoba together with members of his extended family.

“When they were coming back, Gvazava felt uncomfortable with the weapon he was carrying. When he took it out the holster, he accidently shot Rezo Kalomletsavi, who was sitting in front of him,” they say, adding that he attempted to kill himself after that.

Gvazava’s lawyer says he is a general and has permission to carry a gun.

The Prosecutor General’s Office has launched an investigation for premeditated murder and illegally keeping and carrying a weapon.

From before, Gvazava is charged in connection with the murder of Buta Robakidze, which took place during the Saakashvili presidency.