Lucknow: What was meant to be a celebration of love and union quickly turned into a night of mourning in Kakori, as a reckless act of celebratory firing during a wedding ceremony claimed the life of a guest.
In a swift and decisive move, Kakori police arrested the accused, Imran Ghazi, within 24 hours of the incident. Ghazi, who was part of the groom’s party, allegedly fired shots from his licensed rifle during the festivities. Tragically, one of those bullets struck Shamsher alias Shera, an elderly relative from the bride’s side, in the abdomen. Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries.
Police recovered the licensed firearm, 18 live cartridges, and two empty shells from the accused. While it remains unclear what made Imran think bullets were a good party trick—perhaps too many action movies or a misguided attempt at playing Cupid—the consequences were fatal.
“The swift arrest showcases our zero-tolerance policy towards such acts of public endangerment, especially under the guise of celebration,” said a senior police official.
The incident has reignited public concern around the continued prevalence of ‘harsh firing’, or celebratory gunfire—a reckless tradition that, time and again, proves that gravity isn’t the only law that bullets obey.
While wedding guests often expect to catch bouquets or blessings, no one signs up to dodge bullets. As the investigation continues, the larger question looms: When will festive joy stop coming loaded?
Let this serve as a solemn reminder that a bullet fired in joy can just as easily become a shot heard in sorrow.
