BAGHPAT, Uttar Pradesh – A 26-year-old soldier of the President’s Bodyguard (PBG), the elite Army regiment that guards Rashtrapati Bhavan, was shot in the head during a quarrel over firecrackers on Diwali night in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district.
Saurabh Tomar, a resident of Gopalpur Khadana village under Ramala police station, had come home on leave to celebrate the festival with his family. On the night of November 8, he was bursting crackers outside his house with his brothers Vineet and Mintu when two neighbouring brothers, Dheeraj and Monu, also known as Praveen, objected.
According to police and a complaint filed by Tomar’s father, Janak Raj, the argument turned violent within moments. Dheeraj allegedly drew a country-made pistol and fired. The bullet hit a nearby wall, ricocheted and struck Saurabh just behind the ear, where it lodged. Monu allegedly beat Vineet with a stick, leaving him with serious head injuries. The accused then threatened the family and fled.
Tomar was rushed to the community health centre in Baraut and later moved to a private hospital in Meerut, where doctors operated and removed the bullet. He is now reported to be stable. His brother was also treated for his injuries.
Police have registered an FIR against Dheeraj and Monu under charges including attempt to murder, voluntarily causing hurt, intentional insult and criminal intimidation. Three teams have been formed to trace the absconding duo, and a reward of ₹10,000 each has been announced for information leading to their arrest. Some reports suggest an old rivalry between the two families may have played a part in the violence.
Videos and images of the incident, including footage of the injured jawan, spread quickly on Instagram and other social media platforms, prompting shock and anger. The case has also become political, with opposition voices questioning law and order in the state, while the ruling side has stressed that police are actively pursuing the accused.
Tomar joined the Army in 2021 and serves with the President’s Bodyguard, one of the most prestigious units in the armed forces. His elite posting, and the fact that the attack happened during a festival, have drawn added attention to the case.
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