1 killed in celebratory firing in Lucknow

Lucknow: A moment of joy turned into a pall of gloom in Galwara village under Kakori police station limits late Wednesday night when a celebratory gunshot claimed the life of a villager, identified as Shamsher, alias Shera (60).
According to police, the incident occurred during the ‘bidaai' (farewell ceremony) of Chand Babu's daughter, who was married to Naushad, son of Abrar. The marriage procession had arrived from Kakori Modh.
Eyewitnesses said that amid the wedding celebrations, someone in the crowd fired a shot into the air as part of traditional celebratory firing. However, the bullet struck Shera, who was standing nearby, causing serious injuries. He collapsed on the spot and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, police said.
The festive mood in the village instantly turned into mourning as news of the fatality spread. DCP, West Zone, Vishwajeet Srivastava, said police have launched an investigation and are working to identify the person responsible for the firing.
"Appropriate legal action will be taken once the culprit is identified," he added.
Shera's body was sent for post-mortem, and additional police force was deployed in the area to maintain peace. Locals have expressed shock over the incident and called for stricter enforcement against celebratory firing.