Teen dhol-player shot in head in celebratory firing in B’shahr; 2nd such incident in 20 days

Meerut: A 13-year-old boy was critically injured after he was struck in the head by a bullet during celebratory firing at an engagement ceremony in Gulaothi area of Bulandshahr city, police said, making this the second such incident in the city within 20 days.The incident took place on Tuesday evening when Mohd Kaif, a resident of Gulaothi, had arrived at the function with his elder brother to play dhol (drums) when a man allegedly opened fire in the air and a stray bullet hit Kaif in the head.SSP Dinesh Kumar Singh said Kaif was taken to a nearby hospital and was later referred to a specialised medical centre in Meerut. "The minor suffered a head injury and is under observation in the intensive care unit," he said."An FIR has been registered under section 109 (attempt to murder) of BNS against advocate Paritosh Teotia and his son Harsh Teotia, who allegedly fired the shot. An investigation is underway and police teams have been constituted to arrest them," Singh added.Relatives said Kaif was the youngest of three siblings and was learning to play the dhol with his brother. "His father works as a daily wager, while one brother is a mechanic and another plays the dhol," said Shoaib Mewati, a relative.This incident follows a similar case on Feb 19, when an eight-year-old boy, Reyansh Verma, sustained a head injury after a 14-year-old boy allegedly opened fire during a marriage ceremony in Sarraf Bazar area.Reyansh underwent major surgery at a private hospital in Noida, with his family spending nearly Rs 30 lakh on treatment. The child remained on a ventilator for 15 days and continues to face complications, requiring further surgery.SP City Shankar Prasad said a man named Robin Verma and his minor son were arrested in connection with this case. "The gun was seized and the license was cancelled by the authorities. Verma was sent to jail, while his son was sent to a juvenile correction home," he said.