Diwali celebrations in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat turned violent after an alleged dispute over firecrackers escalated between neighbours. The incident left a 26-year-old Army jawan, serving with the President’s Bodyguard at Rashtrapati Bhavan, injured.
Why did the argument break out? Who allegedly opened fire on the jawan? What has the police investigation revealed?
What Happened In Baghpat On Diwali Night?
The incident took place in Gopalpur Khadana village, under the Ramala police station area of Baghpat.
Saurabh Tomar, a 26-year-old Army jawan posted with the President’s Bodyguard at Rashtrapati Bhavan, was bursting firecrackers outside his house with his family when two neighbours, identified as brothers Dheeraj and Monu, objected.
An argument reportedly broke out between the neighbours and Saurabh's brother, Vineet.
The disagreement soon escalated. Dheeraj allegedly pulled out a country-made pistol and fired.
The bullet first struck a wall before hitting Saurabh in the head, just behind his ear. Monu allegedly assaulted Vineet with a stick during the confrontation.
The accused allegedly threatened the family before fleeing the spot.
Saurabh's family rushed him to a Community Health Centre in Baraut. He was subsequently referred to Meerut for advanced treatment, where doctors performed surgery and removed the bullet.
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Why Did A Firecracker Dispute Turn Violent?
The immediate trigger, according to police, was an objection to bursting firecrackers outside the house.
However, NDTV suggested that the two sides had previously maintained friendly relations and had reportedly been involved in an argument around two months earlier, the injured jawan's family alleged longstanding enmity.
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What Is The Police Action?
Following the shooting, Saurabh's father, Janak Raj, alerted the police and subsequently filed a written complaint.
An FIR was registered against Dheeraj and Monu alias Praveen. According to reports, police booked the two men on charges of attempted murder.
Police teams were formed to trace and arrest the accused. Officers also visited the village and inspected the scene.
Reports initially described Saurabh as being in critical condition and admitted to the ICU. However, the bullet has since been removed, and he was reported to be stable.
The accused's arrest was still being pursued in the latest reports reviewed.
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A Festival Dispute, A Bigger Question About Violence
The incident raises questions about illegal firearms, escalating neighbourhood disputes and the need for timely police intervention.
The investigation must establish what triggered the confrontation, the role of each accused and how a firecracker dispute left an Army jawan seriously injured.
Saurabh had returned home for Diwali but ended up undergoing emergency surgery, while his family seeks justice.
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TL;DR | News At A Glance
Who was injured?
Saurabh Tomar, 26, an Army jawan posted with the President's Bodyguard at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Where did the shooting take place?
In Gopalpur Khadana village in Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh.
When did it happen?
On the night of 8 November 2026, during Diwali celebrations.
Why was he shot?
A dispute allegedly broke out after neighbours objected to Saurabh and his family bursting firecrackers outside their house.
Who are the accused?
Two brothers, identified as Dheeraj and Monu alias Praveen.
What happened to Saurabh?
He sustained a bullet injury to the head and underwent surgery in Meerut to remove the bullet. He was reported to be stable on 11 November.
What action has the police taken?
Police registered an FIR against the two accused, reportedly on charges of attempt to murder, and formed teams to trace and arrest them.
