Army soldier posted at Rashtrapati Bhavan shot dead over Diwali cracker dispute

An Army soldier posted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan was shot dead during a dispute over bursting firecrackers on Diwali night in the Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh. According to a report by The Indian Express, the deceased soldier has been identified as 26-year-old Saurabh Tomar, who served in the President's Bodyguard regiment.

Saurabh Tomar had returned to his native village of Gopalpur Khada two days prior to celebrate the Diwali festival. He was on leave and celebrating the festival with his family. The incident occurred around 10 pm on Diwali night.

According to the preliminary police investigation, Saurabh Tomar was bursting crackers on the road with his family members. During this, two neighbouring brothers named Dhiraj and Monu raised an objection. The dispute gradually escalated, and a heated argument broke out between Saurabh's brother Vineet and the neighbours.

During the quarrel, Dhiraj produced a country-made pistol and opened fire. According to the police, the bullet first hit a wall and then struck Saurabh in the head. Saurabh Tomar died due to this severe injury.

Circle Officer Anshu Jain stated that the victim's family informed the police that Saurabh was serving in the President's Bodyguard regiment. He further added that efforts are being made to search for and arrest the accused. Superintendent of Police Pravin Kumar Chauhan also confirmed that Saurabh Tomar was posted in the President's Bodyguard unit.

Police are currently attempting to capture both the accused brothers who fled after the incident. Saurabh Tomar had been married for about two years and is survived by his wife and a nine-month-old child. This dispute proved fatal for the soldier who had come to celebrate the festival with his family while on leave.