Two Teenagers Killed in Suspected Celebratory Gunfire in Etah
A joyous pre-wedding celebration in Uttar Pradesh's Etah district turned into a scene of tragedy late Saturday night when two boys were struck by stray bullets. The victims, identified as 12-year-old Sohail Khan and his 17-year-old uncle Shahrukh, succumbed to their injuries in the early hours of Sunday.
Deafening Music Masks Gunshots at Village Event
The incident occurred around 10 pm in Ubhai village. The boys were dancing at an event outside a house, part of the festivities ahead of their relative Salman's wedding scheduled for Sunday. Due to loud music playing at the function, most attendees did not initially hear the gunshots.
"At first, most of us didn't hear the sound of gunshot due to loud music and only later realised that both of them were lying unconscious outside the house," said Sohail's father, Asuddin.
Victims Succumb After Being Rushed to Hospital
Both injured boys were rushed to the Aliganj community health centre. Doctors declared Sohail dead upon arrival. Shahrukh, in a more critical condition, was referred to Agra's SN Medical College for advanced treatment, where he died a few hours later.
In the wake of the tragedy, the family has postponed the wedding that was meant to take place on Sunday.
Police Investigation Points to Double-Barreled Gun
Local police have swung into action. Six individuals have been detained for questioning, including one man found in possession of a firearm. An FIR has been registered under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act against two persons.
"We're questioning the suspects, including a man found with a firearm," stated Etah ASP Shwetabh Pandey.
Preliminary forensic findings indicate the fatal shots may have come from a double-barrelled 12-bore gun, as both victims suffered injuries consistent with that caliber. However, some villagers present offered a conflicting account, claiming the bullets were fired from the direction of a nearby farm and that at least two shots were heard.
The investigation, led by SHO (Nayagaon) Anil Kumar, is ongoing to determine conclusively whether this was a case of accidental discharge or reckless celebratory gunfire.
