Kabaddi player shot at over match scores

WHEN A DISPUTE BROKE OUT OVER SCORES, ONE OF THE SPECTATORS TOOK OUT A PISTOL AND SHOT AT 17YEAROLD PLAYER AVINASH

A friendly kabaddi match in a locality in south-east Delhi turned violent on Sunday, after a 17-year-old state-level player was shot at allegedly by two spectators after a dispute over match scores, police said.

The bullet grazed past the head of the kabaddi player Avinash Maurya. He was admitted to Batra Hospital where he underwent a surgery and his condition was stated to be stable. A case of attempt to murder and illegal possession of weapon was registered at the Ambedkar Nagar police station. Police said the attackers have been identified and they will be arrested soon.

The crime took place in Dakshinpuri area near Ambedkar Nagar, around 8.20pm when teams of block C and block 20 were playing a kabaddi match at a neighbourhood park. More than 50 people were watching the match with Avinash, of block 20 team, keeping a record of the scores by writing them on the ground.

The players of the other team said that the scores were not visible to them and a dispute arose. During the altercation, two spectators (a major and a minor), who were supporting block C team joined the melee. One of them took out a pistol and tired to shoot one Gullu. However, Gullu fled before the bullet could be fired.

“The duo then attacked Avinash and fired a bullet at him. He was playing for block 20 team,” said Romil Baaniya, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South-East. “The bullet gazed his skull. He was immediately rushed to Batra Hospital where he has been operated upon,” the DCP said adding that teams have been formed to nab the accused.

As per Avinash parents, the assailant carrying a gun had attempted to target team members thrice during the altercation. “As soon as the argument started, the assailant pointed gun on Avinash’s teammate but failed to fire probably the gun was not loaded properly. After that they targeted my son and shot on his head. Then they targed another boy but locals gathered before they could fire and they had to flee,” said Daya Ram Maurya, Avinash’s father.

“My son loves playing kabaddi and also participated in tournament organised by Delhi State Kabaddi Association last year at Jasola,” said Maurya further. The family alleged that all the players and spectators fled the crime scene, leaving behind their injured son.

Maurya lives with wife and four children in block 20 in JJ Colony, Dakshinpuri. Avinash is a Class 11 student at a nearby government school.