Five‑year‑old hit by bullet during celebratory firing in Ludhiana

During the Nagar Kirtan organised by the community ahead of the celebrations of Guru Nanak Jyanti at Daba, a man fired a celebratory shot which caused a bullet injury to a five-year-old child. The bullet hit the child’s thigh, and he was immediately rushed to a private hospital for treatment. The child’s condition was said to be critical.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Satwinder Singh said that the incident occurred on Sunday evening, when a Nagar Kirtan was organised and a large number of people were present. During the celebrations, a man brought a weapon and resorted to celebratory firing. While firing shots into the air, the weapon accidentally tilted and a bullet hit a child standing in the gathering.

He added that after receiving the information, the police team immediately rushed to the spot and began their investigation. Preliminary police investigations found that a licensed weapon had been used. The accused, who fired the shot, has been identified and a case is being registered against him. The weapon’s licence will also be cancelled after verification.

Police sources said that after the child suffered a bullet injury, the accused who opened fire had himself taken the child to hospital for treatment. After admitting the child, the alleged person fled from there.

The injured child, Parth’s uncle Sethi said, is a Class IV student. He had gone with his grandmother, Harpreet Kaur, to watch a Nagar Kirtan near his school when suddenly someone opened fire. The bullet pierced Parth’s thigh. He is the only son in his family; his father is in Malaysia for work.

A resident of the area said that a contractor, Tota Singh, fired the shot in the air.