President's bodyguard jawan shot in head over Diwali firecracker altercation in UP's Baghpat; condition critical

A violent confrontation over firecrackers on Diwali night in Baghpat district in Uttar Pradesh resulted in a gunshot wound to the head for a 26-year-old Indian Army soldier serving with the elite President's Bodyguard unit. The injured soldier, Saurabh Tomar, was transported to a private hospital in Meerut after undergoing emergency surgery to remove the bullet and is now in the intensive care unit.

Gunfire: An argument between families

The incident took place outside Tomar's home in Bijwada village, Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, when he was bursting firecrackers with his brothers Vineet and Mintu.

The clash stemmed from an argument with two local residents, Dheeraj and Monu (alias Praveen), who confronted Tomar and his brothers.

Armed conflict: The fight soon escalated when Dheeraj brought out his country-made gun and shot Tomar, who was hit by the bullet that ricocheted off a wall behind his ear.

Retaliation: Later, Monu joined Dheeraj in the fight and attacked Vineet with a wooden stick. Mintu too fought back and wielded a stick against his attack

Previous relationship: Local people claimed to have known both families, who had friendly relations with one another despite a minor altercation reported two weeks ago.

Tomar enlisted in the army in 2021 and serves in the President's Bodyguard regiment posted at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. He had returned to his village on leave to celebrate Diwali with his family.

After the incident, Tomar fell unconscious and was taken to Community Health Centre Baraut, from where he was sent to Meerut for treatment.

According to family sources: "The doctors have removed the bullet from the nape of the neck of Tomar during the emergency surgery. He is still in critical condition under observation in the ICU."

The police in Baghpat have registered an FIR against Dheeraj and Monu on the basis of the complaint lodged by Tomar’s father, Janak Raj.

The police high-ups including Circle Officer Baraut and Additional Superintendent of Police reached the spot and deployed police teams to apprehend the accused.

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