President's bodyguard shot dead in UP after row over Diwali firecrackers
PTC News Desk: A 26-year-old Army jawan posted with the bodyguard regiment of the President at the Rashtrapati Bhawan was shot dead following a dispute over bursting firecrackers on Diwali night in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat.
The injured soldier, identified as Saurabh Tomar, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Meerut, where his condition remains critical.
According to police and local residents, Saurabh Tomar was bursting firecrackers outside his house with his brothers, Vineet and Mintu, when an argument broke out with two villagers, Dheeraj and his brother Monu alias Praveen.
The verbal dispute soon turned violent. During the confrontation, Dheeraj allegedly pulled out a country-made pistol and opened fire. One bullet reportedly hit a wall before striking Saurabh in the head, just behind his ear. He collapsed on the spot.
Around the same time, Dheeraj's brother allegedly arrived with a stick and attacked Vineet. During the ensuing fight, Mintu allegedly hit Monu alias Praveen with sticks. The crowd that had gathered at the scene scattered in panic, while the accused fled.
According to local residents, the two families knew each other and had shared friendly relations in the past. They reportedly spent time together frequently and had also been involved in a dispute around two months ago.
Saurabh, 26, joined the Army in 2021 and is currently posted at Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of the President's Bodyguard, the Indian Army's oldest and senior-most cavalry regiment. He had returned to his native village on leave to celebrate Diwali with his family.
After the shooting, his family rushed him to the Community Health Centre in Baraut. He was subsequently referred to Meerut Medical College, but the family decided to shift him to a private hospital in Meerut.
Doctors performed surgery and successfully removed the bullet from his head. He remains admitted to the intensive care unit, and his condition is stated to be critical.
Police register FIR, launch manhunt for accused
Following the incident, Saurabh's father, Janak Raj, informed the police by calling the emergency helpline. Police teams reached the village shortly afterwards and initiated an investigation.
Senior officers, including the Baraut Circle Officer and the Additional Superintendent of Police, visited the spot and inspected the area. The injured were initially taken to Baraut for treatment before being referred to Meerut for advanced medical care.
Based on a written complaint filed by Janak Raj, police registered an FIR against Dheeraj and Monu alias Praveen. Efforts are underway to arrest the accused, who are currently absconding.
- PTC NEWS
