Celebratory firing takes life once again in Kanpur

In the last four months,two persons have died and three others sustained injuries in celebratory firings during weddings in Kanpur. (See Box)

Son of Teva Kevat,Prabhaji (32) was sleeping in his field on Monday night. His elder brother Ramesh said: “The marriage procession of Shankar Nishad’s son Ajay,a Kotra resident,arrived in the village late on Monday night.”

He claimed that a majority of the guests were in an inebriated condition. A bullet fired during the celebratory firing pierced Prabhaji’s chest,leaving him dead on the spot.

On a complaint lodged by Ramesh,a case of unintentional murder under Section 304 of the IPC has been registered at Ghatampur police station against unidentified persons.

Ghatampur Station Officer Kallu Ram Dohrey said: “Shankar Nishad,his son and other relatives are being questioned,but we are yet to get the name of the person who had opened fire.”

On Tuesday,District Magistrate Mukesh Kumar Meshram ordered the police to prevent celebratory firings during such functions.

“Firearms and weapons are not permitted in weddings and other family ceremonies. The district police will have to ensure that no one dies or is injured in such firings,” said Meshram.

He termed the recent deaths in celebratory firings a major issue of concern. “The gun licence of any person who is found guilty of celebratory firing will be cancelled. To prevent celebratory firings,the 15 circle officers of the district will ensure that additional force is deployed near venues hosting weddings and other functions.”

Police personnel dressed in civil dress will also keep an eye on marriage processions.

Tragic Ritual
* March 7: Two minors injured in Chamanganj area in celebratory firing during a wedding.
* March 18: One person injured in celebratory firing during a wedding at Chamanganj.
* June 8: Damodar Nagar resident Vinay Soni killed during celebratory firing in a wedding.
* June 21: Kakar village resident Prabhaji Kevat killed in celebratory firing during a wedding.