‘Celebratory’ shot claims wedding guest

A 22-year-old man died of a celebratory shot, allegedly fired by another guest at a wedding in a farmhouse in Kavi Nagar on Friday evening, reports Peeyush Khandelwal.

A 22-year-old man died of a celebratory shot, allegedly fired by another guest at a wedding in a farmhouse in Kavi Nagar on Friday evening.

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According to police, Vikas Dagar allegedly fired shots that hit Phool Kunwar Singh (22) leading to his death on the spot, police said. Singh is reported to be a cousin of the bride and a resident of Muzaffar Nagar district in Western Uttar Pradesh.

“One of the shots hit Singh in his head. He was taken to a hospital where he was declared brought dead,” said Subodh Kumar Singh, victim's uncle.

Police have registered a case of murder and an Arms Act case against the accused, who managed to flee the spot. Police said Dagar has been involved in several cases of murder. The shots, said police, were fired from Dagar's licensed revolver.

“We recovered the holster from his brother Arun and arrested him under the Arms Act,” a police officer said.

Death and injuries during celebratory firing incidents are common in Western UP. Only FIRs and cancellation of licenses are undertaken in the name of action against the accused.

“We will send orders to banquet hall owners to disallow use of firearms during a function. We will cancel the banquet hall licenses if orders are not followed,” said Senior Superintendent of Police Raguveer Lal.