A wedding celebration in Dadri’s Nagla Chamru village turned tragic when a 10-year-old boy was struck by a bullet during an incident of celebratory firing late Sunday evening. The child, identified as Krish, was standing among other guests when a round fired from a licensed pistol hit him in the head. Police said the weapon belonged to a retired Army personnel from Ghaziabad, whose son had brought the pistol to the wedding without authorisation. One of his friends allegedly fired the shot that injured the boy. Krish was immediately rushed to Kailash Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Pistol Taken From Retired Soldier’s Home; Friend Fired the Shot
According to the investigation team, the firearm used in the incident was legally owned by a retired Army officer residing in Ghaziabad. His son, who had attended the wedding with friends, reportedly took the licensed pistol from home, claiming he wanted to “show it around” during the celebrations. Witnesses told police that during the wedding procession, the son handed the weapon to a friend who, in an act of reckless celebration, fired it into the air. The bullet, however, went astray and struck young Krish, who collapsed immediately as panic spread through the crowd.
Senior police officials arrived at the spot soon after receiving information and launched a search for the individuals involved. The retired soldier was not present at the function, and authorities are verifying whether he was aware that the weapon had been taken out of his residence. Investigators have seized the pistol and are sending it for forensic examination to determine the angle of firing and distance from the victim. Officers have also spoken to multiple guests to establish whether more rounds were fired and whether any attempt was made to hide the weapon immediately after the incident.
Two Arrested, Main Accused Absconding; Police Tighten Crackdown on Celebratory Fire
The police have so far arrested two people in connection with the incident: the retired soldier’s son, who brought the weapon to the venue, and his friend who allegedly fired the shot. However, the primary accused—identified as the one who led the celebratory firing sequence—is currently on the run. A special team has been formed to trace him, and raids are being conducted across multiple locations. Authorities have also booked the group under charges related to illegal use of a licensed firearm, negligence leading to grievous injury, and endangering human life.
Officials emphasised that Uttar Pradesh Police has repeatedly warned against celebratory firing, which remains a common but dangerous practice during weddings and festivals. Despite strict advisories and awareness campaigns, the state continues to witness frequent incidents resulting in serious injuries and even deaths. Senior officers described the Dadri case as yet another example of irresponsible behaviour resulting in avoidable tragedy, and said stringent action will be taken to ensure accountability.
Meanwhile, doctors treating Krish at Kailash Hospital said that his condition remains critical and that he is under intensive care. The bullet caused significant damage, and his prognosis will depend on how he responds to ongoing treatment. The victim’s family is devastated, with relatives demanding the harshest possible punishment for those responsible.
Police have increased patrolling in the area and are coordinating with local wedding event organisers to prevent celebratory firing during upcoming functions. Authorities said that cases involving licensed weapons being misused by family members are rising, and strict verification of weapon storage and access is now being considered. The Dadri incident has once again revived the debate around the accountability of licensed gun owners and the urgent need for community-level awareness to curb such reckless actions.
