‘Friendship turned into enmity…’: Three members of councillor’s family killed at birthday party in UP

Fight ‘over cake’, a phone call, shots fired

The incident took place on Saturday night, when two groups of friends were drinking outside RJS gym on Subhash Road before gathering inside for gym trainer Jeetu’s birthday celebration.

What began with cake-smearing during the party quickly escalated when one man hurled abuses and an argument broke out. Others stepped in and defused the situation, and one group left.

But the calm didn’t last. A phone call soon reignited tensions, with a challenge allegedly issued. The group that left returned to the gym and allegedly opened fire with country-made pistols at the opposite side, killing three men.

This, police said, is what appears to have transpired based on preliminary investigation and questioning of the three accused.

Circle Officer Kumar said the incident appeared to have occurred in the heat of the moment, triggered by an ego clash while the people were under the influence of alcohol.

The victims, Amardeep Saini (26), his cousin Manish Saini (23), and their nephew Akash Saini (22), lived close to each other on Subhash Road. Amardeep and Manish were farmers. Both were married. Manish has two children. Akash worked as a helper in a local factory.

Manish’s elder brother, Sanjay Saini, a councillor of ward number 24 in Bulandshahr, said his brothers and the accused were good friends and was unaware how an argument escalated.

“They used to go to the gym and hang out together. But what happened that night, that turned friendship into enmity, isn’t clear… But the brutal killing of my amily members shows there must have been some resentment in their minds that wasn’t visible on the surface…,” said Sanjay.

Amardeep’s father, Swaroop Saini, who filed the complaint in the case, claimed a different version of events.

As per the FIR lodged in the case, he claimed around 10.30 pm, he and Sanjay were walking with the three victims near the gym when the accused, who were already lying in wait with pistols, suddenly confronted them.

He alleged that the accused allegedly forced them inside the gym and dragged them to the upper floor while threatening and assaulting them — before opening fire, killing Amardeep, Manish and Akash in front of them.

Swaroop, as per the FIR, alleged that the accused also fired at him and Sanjay with the intent to kill but they managed to escape.

Police said they are looking into the complainant’s version as part of the probe.

Police said 10 men, including Jeetu, are named in the FIR; they all live within a 600-metre radius in Punjabiyan area and Subhash Road. The victims and the accused were regular visitors to the gym, police said.

BJP’s Baghpat district president Vikas Chauhan said Sanjay Saini is a party worker and a councillor, adding that he does not hold any office-bearer position in the party.