A night of celebration turned into panic during a wedding ceremony in Bihar’s Buxar after an 18-year-old bride was shot on the wedding stage during the garland exchange ceremony. The incident happened around 11pm on 24 February. The bullet hit Aarti Kumari in the stomach, near her navel. She was rushed to a nearby hospital and later referred to Varanasi Trauma Centre, where she continued to be in critical condition. The loud music at the venue initially masked the gunshot. But panic ensued when the bride collapsed moments later, bleeding from her abdomen. As per TOI, before being shifted, she allegedly named the attacker, telling family members that "Deenbandhu shot me." Family members alleged that the accused was a neighbour who was involved in a one-sided relationship with Aarti. They said she did not reciprocate his advances. Police said Deenbandhu, who was absconding, has previously been jailed in a liquor case.