Woman killed in celebratory firing in Rohru, 2 held

Shimla: Tragedy struck Kulgaon village, under the Rohru sub-division of Shimla district, when celebratory gunfire during a late-night religious gathering claimed the life of a 26-year-old woman.\The incident occurred late Sunday night during the consecration ceremony of a newly built temple of the local deity. The people were dancing to local music when sudden firing broke out, and a stray bullet struck Ritika, a resident of Bakora village in tehsil Chirgaon.The woman died on the spot. The accused persons managed to flee the scene but were later arrested by the police. Ritika left behind two children.The police have registered an FIR on charges of murder and under Section 25 of the Arms Act. The accused persons include 28-year-old Rajat Sohta of Rohru Upper Bazar and 32-year-old Amit Bhapta of Mandharli village of Rohru, said the police.Eyewitnesses said the firing was part of a celebratory practice, which turned deadly within moments. The incident sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about safety at public and religious events. The locals demanded a strict ban on weapons during such gatherings.Tensions escalated further as the victim's family protested, alleging administrative insensitivity for not providing a proper vehicle to transport the body to Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, for a post-mortem. The situation was brought under control after authorities arranged for the body's proper transportation to Shimla.Rohru sub-divisional magistrate, meanwhile, appealed to the public not to bring weapons to religious and social gatherings.MSID:: 130555562 413 |