Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/Tamisclao
India

Groom killed during wedding day celebratory gunfire

Celebratory firing at weddings is illegal, but common in India.

A GROOM WAS hit and killed by a bullet apparently fired by celebrating members of his wedding party in northern India, a local police officer said today.

Amit Rastogi, 28, was fatally struck late last night in the Uttar Pradesh state while leading the party to his bride’s house, in the customary manner at Indian weddings.

“He was hit by a bullet in the head apparently fired by someone from the marriage party but we are looking at other angles,” Uma Shankar Singh, the investigating officer in Sitapur district where the incident occurred, told AFP.

The officer said the groom, who fell from his horse after being hit, was taken to hospital in the state capital Lucknow where doctors declared him dead.

Although outlawed in India, celebratory firing at weddings and other events is common in the country, across South Asia and in other regions, although fatalities are relatively few.

On Monday, a 14-year-old boy was killed after being struck by a bullet at a wedding in neighbouring Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh.

In February, an eight-year-old boy was killed in Shamli district when ruling political party workers fired shots to celebrate their victory in municipal elections.

© – AFP 2016

Read: Irish twin brothers in London died weeks apart and nobody can find their family

Read: Europe will try to convince Britain to stay in the EU today

Your Voice
Readers Comments
18
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.