'Male Who Shot 8-Year-Old Boy In Celebratory Firing In Bulandshahr Is Not Minor': Victim's Family

Bulandshahr: The family of 8-year-old Reyansh, who was left seriously injured in a celebratory firing during a wedding procession, has claimed that as opposed to police's statement, the individual who fired the bullets is not a minor.

The accused, named Krishna Verma, was earlier said to be 16 years old. However, fresh claims over his age have highlighted the gravity of the incident. The horrific event occured during pre-wedding celebrations at the house of Krishna's father Robin Verma, who was preparing for his daughter’s marriage scheduled for February 20. It was also reported that Robin encouraged Krishna to engage in celebratory firing during the ‘baraat’.

It has been five days since the tragic incident took place, however, the shooter, Krishna Verma, has still not been apprehended. The weapon has also not been recovered by the police. Both Krishna and his father Robin are on the run. Police evaded questions when Republic TV confronted them over the absconding accused. A police official said, “I don't have any authority to reply to you…You are creating pressure on me."

Recalling the horrific incident, the child's father said, “That day my son was at home, he was standing on the balcony…There was a program going on downstairs to take up arms in the neighbourhood. I saw two people coming from behind, one of them had a pistol in his hand. I didn't see which pistol it was. He cocked the pistol and started firing hard. My son was standing upstairs watching the program…Suddenly the person started firing. A bullet grazed the upper side of my son's jaw. After the gunshot, my son fell on the ground. I rushed him to a hospital.”

CCTV Of The Incident

A CCTV footage of the incident showed two male dancing on a narrow street as one of them fired a pistol into the air. A wedding procession was being taken out in the street.

Krishna Verma, brother of the bride, allegedly brought his father's licensed pistol outdoors and began firing in the air. Neighbours and onlookers reportedly tried to stop him, warning about the narrow street and people standing on rooftops.

Ignoring the warnings from locals, the accused continued to fire multiple rounds while walking through the street. Around 5:30 PM, one of those bullets struck Reyansh who was standing on the roof.

Also Read- 'Scared, Hopeless...': Reyansh's Father Recalls Horrific Celebratory Firing At Bulandshahr ‘Baraat’