President’s Bodyguard Jawan Shot in Head Over Firecracker Dispute in UP
A jawan serving in the President’s Bodyguard was critically injured after being shot in the head following a dispute over bursting firecrackers on Diwali night in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district.
The injured soldier, identified as 26-year-old Saurabh Tomar, is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Meerut. Doctors have successfully removed the bullet through surgery, but his condition remains critical.
According to police, the incident occurred when Saurabh was bursting firecrackers outside his house with his brothers, Vineet and Mintu. An argument reportedly broke out with two villagers, Dheeraj and his brother Monu alias Praveen. During the altercation, Dheeraj allegedly opened fire, and a bullet struck Saurabh in the head after hitting a wall. The two sides also reportedly attacked each other with sticks.
Saurabh, who joined the Indian Army in 2021, is currently posted at Rashtrapati Bhavan as a member of the President’s Bodyguard. He had returned to his native village on leave to celebrate Diwali with his family.
Following the incident, his father, Janak Raj, alerted the police. An FIR has been registered against Dheeraj and Monu alias Praveen based on his complaint. Police have launched a search operation to apprehend the accused, who are currently absconding.
