MEERUT: A 26-year-old soldier serving with the President’s Bodyguard is stable after being shot in the head during a quarrel over firecrackers on Diwali night in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district. He underwent surgery at a private hospital in Meerut, where doctors removed the bullet.
Saurabh Tomar was bursting firecrackers on the road with his relatives when two neighbours, brothers Dheeraj and Monu, objected and got into an argument with his brother Vineet, 28. The shooting took place at around 10 pm on Sunday (November 8), according to the district police.
Following a complaint by Tomar’s father, an FIR was registered at Ramala police station against the two brothers under sections 109(1) (attempt to murder), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 352 (intentional insult) and 351(3) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to the police, Dheeraj allegedly took out a country-made pistol and fired at Tomar. The bullet reportedly struck a wall before hitting him in the head. The brothers are also accused of assaulting Vineet and threatening the family before fleeing the spot.
Tomar was first taken to Baraut Health Centre and later shifted to a private hospital in Meerut. Surgeons operated on him and removed the bullet. He is currently stable.
Circle Officer Anshu Jain said in an interaction with media organisations that a case of attempt to murder had been registered against the two brothers and police teams were searching for them.
Tomar joined the Indian Army in 2021 and serves with the President’s Bodyguard (PBG), an elite cavalry regiment responsible for the President’s ceremonial escort and security duties.
(with inputs from m edia organisations)