A Diwali celebration in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district turned violent when an argument over firecrackers allegedly turned into firing. A soldier of the President’s Bodyguard was shot in the head during the incident and his family and villagers were shocked by the incident.
The incident reportedly happened on November 8 in Gopalpur Khadana village where the soldier Saurabh Tomar had returned home to celebrate Diwali with his family. Tomar is posted with President’s Bodyguard at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
Saurabh was bursting firecrackers outside his house along with his brothers Vineet and Mintu when the festival fell on Monday. Two neighbours Dheeraj and Monu alias Praveen allegedly objected to the noise made by crackers.
What started as a disagreement escalated into an argument between the two sides. Soon things turned violent when one of the accused allegedly pulled out his country made pistol and fired at the soldier.
The bullet apparently hit the wall nearby before hitting Saurabh in the head just behind his ear. He fell at the spot and family members and others present panicked. His brother Vineet was also reportedly injured after he was assaulted with a stick.
Soldier Rushed to Hospital After Shooting
After the shooting, family members took Saurabh to community health centre at Baraut. As his injuries were very serious doctors referred him to hospital in Meerut.
Doctors at a private hospital reportedly operated on him and removed the bullet lodged in his head. He was then kept under medical observation.
Some reports said he was critical while others said he was stable after the operation. His medical condition is one of the elements that are part of the developments so far.
Police Launch Search for Accused
Saurabh’s father Janak Raj then went to the police station and filed a complaint against those who attacked him.
On the basis of the complaint police registered a case against Dheeraj and Monu. Senior police officials went to the village also to investigate how the shooting took place.
Police reportedly formed three teams to trace the accused and take them into custody. Security arrangements were tightened in the area so that there was no further confrontation between families.
Investigators are looking into the sequence of events (the argument over firecrackers; the alleged use of an illegal firearm).
Who Is Saurabh Tomar
Saurabh Tomar joined the Indian Army in 2021 and is posted with President’s Bodyguard an elite cavalry regiment which performs ceremonial duties as well as protects the President of India.
He had returned to his native village for Diwali with his family. What should have been a happy festival occasion is now difficult time for loved ones.
The shooting also highlighted how ordinary neighbourhood disputes can turn violent. Police are still investigating and trying to arrest the accused.
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