President’s bodyguard jawan shot in head following firecracker dispute in UP

Baghpat: A 26-year-old soldier serving with the President’s Bodyguard was critically injured after a dispute over bursting firecrackers escalated into a shooting on Diwali night in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district.

The injured jawan, identified as Saurabh Tomar, is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Meerut. His condition remains critical.

According to reports, quoting police and local residents, Saurabh was bursting firecrackers outside his house with his brothers, Vineet and Mintu, when an argument broke out with two villagers, identified as Dheeraj and his brother Monu, also known as Praveen.

The disagreement soon turned violent. Dheeraj allegedly pulled out a country-made pistol and fired at the group. One bullet reportedly struck a wall before hitting Saurabh in the head, just behind his ear.

Saurabh fell to the ground following the shooting. Meanwhile, Dheeraj’s brother allegedly attacked Vineet with a stick. During the ensuing confrontation, Mintu is accused of hitting Monu alias Praveen with sticks.

The commotion triggered panic among those present, who scattered as the accused fled.

Local residents said the two families knew each other and had shared friendly relations in the past. However, they had reportedly been involved in another dispute around two months earlier.

Saurabh joined the Army in 2021 and is presently serving with the President’s Bodyguard at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The unit is the Indian Army’s oldest and senior-most cavalry regiment.

He had returned to his native village on leave to celebrate Diwali with his family.

Following the incident, his relatives initially took him to a Community Health Centre in Baraut. He was subsequently referred to Meerut Medical College, but the family decided to move him to a private hospital in Meerut.

Doctors performed surgery and successfully removed the bullet from his head. He is currently being treated in the intensive care unit, with his condition described as critical.

After the shooting, Saurabh’s father, Janak Raj, contacted the police emergency helpline and informed authorities about the incident.

Police teams arrived at the village and launched an investigation. Senior officials, including the Baraut Circle Officer and the Additional Superintendent of Police, also visited the spot to assess the situation.

Acting on a written complaint submitted by Janak Raj, police registered an FIR against Dheeraj and Monu alias Praveen.

Officials said efforts are underway to trace and arrest the two accused, who remain absconding.