In a shocking incident in Meerut's Lohia Nagar area, three people including a two-year-old child were shot during a walima, the reception feast held after a Muslim wedding, on Tuesday night. Police said the attack was allegedly carried out by drug traffickers involved in a turf war over charas (cannabis resin).
Incident details
The firing took place at Star Heritage Mandap, where guests had gathered for dinner. According to police, nearly 10 rounds were fired inside the venue, causing panic among attendees. The injured were identified as Irfan, 35, his brother Raja, 33, and Raja's son Hammad, 2. Irfan remains critical, while Raja and Hammad are out of danger.
The sudden firing triggered chaos inside the banquet hall, with guests screaming and running for cover. Several attendees allegedly fled the function without finishing their meal.
Motive and investigation
Investigators revealed that both groups had been allegedly involved in the illegal charas and ganja trade for a long time and were locked in a dispute over control of the area. SP (City) Vinayak Bhosle said, "Irfan's condition continues to be critical while the other two are out of danger. As of now, the motive appears to be enmity between two groups where both have criminal antecedents. We are investigating in detail every aspect in this regard. Several teams have been constituted to arrest the culprits."
Victim's account
Irfan told TOI from his hospital bed that he was eating dinner when the firing began. "We were having dinner at a marriage event when I was shot from behind. When I turned around, they fired, aiming at my stomach. I tried to save my nephew who was also injured, besides my brother. The attackers were Sohail, Uvesh and Kala and a few others," he said.
Irfan's relative Mohd Arif said the attack followed long-standing enmity between the two sides. "It is the result of long-standing enmity between the two groups. About 10 rounds of firing took place at the venue," he added.
Police action
Police said the accused fled after the attack. CCTV footage from the banquet hall has been seized for examination. Several teams have been formed to arrest the culprits, and the criminal backgrounds of both sides are being checked.
