Teenager killed in celebratory firing by cops

‘TILAK’ CEREMONY Two other youths critically injured as two constables and two other people fire over 50 rounds in a Sitapur village

LUCKNOW: Celebratory firing by two constables of Lucknow traffic police during a ceremony claimed the life of a 16-year-old boy while two other youths were critically injured in the incident in a Sitapur village. The three persons were hit by stray bullets when the constables and two others fired over 50 rounds with their licensed weapons. Three persons, including one of the two constables were arrested.

LUCKNOW: Celebratory firing by two constables of Lucknow traffic police during a ceremony claimed the life of a 16-year-old boy while two other youths were critically injured in the incident in a Sitapur village, nearly 100 km from here, on Monday night.

The three persons were hit by stray bullets when the constables and two others fired over 50 rounds with their licensed weapons.

The Sitapur police arrested three persons, including one of the two constables while another constable was still at large even as raids were on for his arrest.

A Satish Ganesh, IG (Lucknow zone), said the two constables – Ramdas and Avnindra Singh had been placed under suspension with immediate effect while the process of termination would be initiated, if they were found guilty in departmental inquiry.

The incident took place in Mahusi village of Sandana (Sitapur) when a Lucknow traffic constable, Ramdas along with his colleague, Avnindra Singh Tomar had gone there to attend his nephew Rajnish’s ‘tilak’ ceremony on Monday.

The deceased was identified as Mahendra while the two injured were Gaurish, 25 and Rohit, 18 of the same village.

Police said Ramdas, his elder brother Anant Ram, Avnindra and one Santosh whipped out their firearms and fired indiscriminately in the air during the celebration. The bullet fired by Avnindra, who was handling the licensed gun of Ramdas, hit the three youngsters enjoying the orchestra at the function.

Mahendra died on the spot after suffering bullet wound on the face and neck while the two others were admitted to Sitapur district hospital in a critical condition. Ramdas, Anant Ram and Santosh were arrested while Avninidra fled from the spot. Mahendra’s father, Ram Dayal lodged an FIR under IPC sections 304 for culpable homicide (unintentional killing), 307 for attempt to murder and section 30 of Arms Act for contravention of licence.