Firing at religious gathering in Kurukshetra leaves minor hurt

A tense situation unfolded in Kurukshetra when a minor boy, Ashish Tiwari from Uttar Pradesh, sustained a bullet injury, allegedly from gunfire during an altercation at a Mahayagya in Keshav Park. The dispute reportedly stemmed from concerns over the quality of food being served.

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Following the shooting, members of the Brahmin community staged a protest, blocking the Kurukshetra-Pehowa road, pelting stones, and tearing down posters. Two rounds were reportedly fired during the incident. Another youth, Prince, was injured during the stone-pelting.

Both Ashish Tiwari, with a bullet wound to his thigh, and Prince were initially treated at LNJP District Civil Hospital before being transferred to a private facility.

Ashish Tiwari, in his police complaint, stated that he and others found the "Khichri" served at Saini Dharmashala, where they were staying and eating after morning rituals, to have a foul odour. When they raised the issue with organisers, two gunmen allegedly responded by firing shots, injuring him.

Swami Hariom Maharaj, the Mahayagya organiser, called for a fair investigation and action against the perpetrators. He noted that while the food had been satisfactory for the previous four days, some individuals suddenly complained. He expressed a desire for peaceful resolution and completion of the Mahayagya.

Police officials from Krishna Gate Police Station, including SHO Jagdish Chand, arrived to control the protest and cleared the blockade. Chand confirmed that both injured individuals were out of danger. A case has been registered and police teams are searching for the accused.

Former Thanesar MLA Subhash Sudha visited the injured and pledged to cover their medical expenses, condemning the incident as unfortunate. Thanesar MLA Ashok Arora also visited the hospital, demanding strict action against those responsible and questioning the presence of armed individuals at a religious event.