Constable opens fire at a wedding, 2 cops arrested

NEWDELHI: Two cousins of a groom received bullet injuries as a Delhi Police constable opened fire at a wedding reception in northeast Delhi’s Karawal Nagar on Saturday night, police said.

The constable, a neighbour of the groom, shot three rounds following an argument with another guest over taking photographs of the newly-wed couple.

Constable Naeem Khan, posted with the elite special cell unit, used the service revolver of his colleague — assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Intekhab Alam — to fire the shot, said AK Singla, deputy commissioner of police (northeast). He was caught by the public, thrashed and handed over to the police.

The injured persons have been identified as Manoj Gupta and Pooja Gupta, who are cousins of groom Mahesh Gupta. The reception was being held at BR Vatika in Karawal Nagar. While Manoj was hit in his hand, Pooja received a bullet wound in her leg. Both are hospitalised, but out of danger, said the DCP.

A senior investigator said photography by an unknown person at the wedding reception led to the shooting.

“The bride and groom noticed an unknown person posing as a photographer and taking their pictures. The groom found it objectionable and requested his constable friend to check the photographer’s credentials,” said the investigator.

“When Khan questioned the person who was taking photos, it resulted in a heated argument. Manoj, groom’s cousin, inter- vened and claimed that the photographer in question was his friend. Khan then began quarrelling with Manoj during which Khan claimed that he was slapped,” said the investigator.

But Khan’s ego was hurt by the slap and he returned after 10-15 minutes with a revolver, said the police. Without any warning, Khan allegedly fired three rounds in the crowd.

Police reached the spot and got hold of Khan. The pistol too was recovered.

DCP Singla said that Khan was booked for attempt to murder and under the Arms Act and was arrested. His colleague, an ASI posted with the special cell was also arrested as the revolver used in the crime belonged to him. Both of them are in the process of being dismissed from the Delhi Police.