Boy injured in Bhagalpur celebratory firing

Bhagalpur: A 13-year-old boy was seriously injured after a villager opened fire during a marriage procession at Baghmara village under Lodipur police station area in Bhagalpur district on Friday night. The victim, Sunny Kumar, son of Taniklal Yadav, is undergoing treatment at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JLNMCH) and is stated to be stable.

According to police, the incident occurred during the wedding procession of Rahul Yadav, son of Arvind Yadav, when 30-year-old villager Indradev Yadav, allegedly in an inebriated state, arrived at the spot and opened fire indiscriminately with a country-made pistol, injuring Sunny. A manhunt has been launched to arrest him.


One of the bullets struck Sunny’s right leg, causing him to collapse as members of the procession ran for cover. Local residents informed Lodipur police, and the boy was rushed to JLNMCH’s emergency ward.

DSP (law and order) Navneet Kumar told TNN on Saturday, “The accused, Indradev Yadav, is absconding and raids are being conducted to nab him. The victim’s condition is stated to be stable, and his statement is being recorded. People present in the marriage procession are also being questioned, and an FIR will be registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).”

He added that police are also verifying the criminal history of the accused and probing allegations that he was drunk during the incident. “Strict action will be taken as no one is allowed to flout the law,” the DSP said.

Legal expert Rajesh Chandra Jha said strict provisions exist under Section 25(9) of the Arms Act, 1959, which states: “Whoever uses a firearm in a rash or negligent manner or in celebratory gunfire so as to endanger human life or personal safety of others shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to rupees one lakh or with both.”