THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, March 12: A wedding celebration turned violent in Jharkhand’s Palamu district when a bride’s cousin allegedly shot at the groom’s friend during the Jay Mala ceremony in Naugarh village under Lesliganj police station limits.
The incident occurred on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday when the barat had arrived from Garhwa for the wedding of Rahul Kumar and Khushbu Kumari.
Video Recording of Weapon Triggers Dispute
According to police, the Jay Mala ceremony was underway when Rakesh Chowdhury, a cousin of the bride, began dancing while allegedly flaunting a desi katta (country-made pistol).
Kamal Chowdhury, a friend of the groom, Rahul Kumar, started recording a video clip of Rakesh displaying the firearm.
Rakesh objected to the recording and pressured Kamal to delete the video. Police said Rakesh feared trouble if the video surfaced because he works as a para-teacher in a nearby government school.
Victim Shot in Leg
When Kamal initially refused to delete the clip, tensions escalated. Feeling threatened, Kamal took refuge inside a car parked at the venue.
However, Rakesh allegedly located him there and fired at him, hitting Kamal in the right leg before fleeing from the scene.
Officer-in-charge of Lesliganj police station, Uttam Kumar Rai, confirmed that Kamal sustained a firearm injury.
“Kamal was shot in the right leg. He has lodged an FIR against Rakesh,” Rai said.
Surgery Performed at MMCH Daltonganj
The injured man was rushed to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH), Daltonganj, where doctors performed surgery to remove the cartridge from his body, hospital sources said.
Police have registered a case under the attempt to murder provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Accused on the Run
Police said efforts are underway to arrest the accused.
“Police will soon nab Rakesh. He cannot hide for long. He is a para-teacher and will face the law,” officer Rai said.