Rashtrapati Bhavan Bodyguard Shot in Head During Diwali

A bodyguard posted at Rashtrapati Bhavan was allegedly shot in the head following a dispute over bursting firecrackers on Diwali night in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district. The victim, identified as Saurabh, had returned home on leave to celebrate the festival with his family when the incident took place in Gopalpur Khadana village.

According to the family’s complaint, an argument between Saurabh and two neighbours over firecrackers turned violent on Sunday night. One of the accused allegedly pulled out a country-made pistol and opened fire, leaving Saurabh seriously injured.

The bullet reportedly struck a wall before hitting him behind the ear and becoming lodged in his head. He was rushed for medical treatment and remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Meerut.

Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the two accused, identified as Dheeraj and Monu, alias Praveen, based on a complaint filed by Saurabh’s father, Janakraj. Senior police officials have also visited the village to gather information about the shooting.

Firecracker Dispute Escalates Into Shooting in Baghpat Village

The incident occurred in Gopalpur Khadana village in Baghpat district on Diwali night. Saurabh was reportedly bursting firecrackers outside his home alongside his brothers, Vineet and Mintu, when two neighbours objected.

According to the complaint submitted by the family, Dheeraj and Monu confronted the brothers over the firecrackers. The disagreement allegedly turned into a heated argument, with the neighbours reportedly abusing the three brothers.

The situation subsequently escalated into a physical confrontation. The family alleged that Dheeraj took out a country-made pistol and fired during the altercation.

The bullet first struck a wall before hitting Saurabh behind the ear. It then became lodged in his head, causing him to collapse and bleed heavily.

The sequence of events described by the family forms the basis of the police complaint. The allegations are now part of the investigation, and the precise circumstances surrounding the shooting will need to be established by the authorities.

Saurabh Undergoes Surgery, Remains Critical in Meerut Hospital

Following the shooting, Saurabh’s family rushed him to the Baraut Community Health Centre, where he received initial medical assistance. Doctors subsequently referred him to Meerut Medical College for further treatment.

His family, however, took him to a private hospital in Meerut, where doctors operated to remove the bullet lodged in his head.

Despite undergoing surgery, Saurabh remains in critical condition in the hospital’s intensive care unit. His condition makes the incident particularly serious, as the bullet injury involved a sensitive area behind his ear and required emergency medical intervention.

The family is awaiting further updates on his recovery as he continues to receive treatment.

Brothers Allegedly Assaulted When They Tried to Protect Saurabh

The family’s complaint also alleges that Saurabh’s brothers, Vineet and Mintu, were assaulted when they protested against the accused and attempted to protect him during the confrontation.

According to the complaint, the two neighbours fled after the shooting and allegedly threatened to kill the family. These allegations have also been included in the case registered by police.

The incident therefore involved more than the shooting itself, with the family alleging that all three brothers were targeted during the confrontation. Investigators will need to examine the complaint and establish the individual roles of those accused.

Rashtrapati Bhavan Bodyguard Had Returned Home on Diwali Leave

Saurabh joined the President’s Bodyguard in 2021 and is currently posted at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. He had arrived in his native village two days before the incident to spend time with his family during Diwali.

The President’s Bodyguard is a prestigious military unit responsible for ceremonial and security duties associated with the President of India. Saurabh’s posting at Rashtrapati Bhavan has brought additional attention to the incident, although the reported dispute itself arose from a neighbourhood disagreement over firecrackers.

His visit home was intended to be a family celebration during the festival. Instead, the alleged confrontation left him fighting for his life in a hospital in Meerut.

Police Register FIR Against Two Neighbours

Police have registered an FIR against Dheeraj and Monu, also known as Praveen, following the complaint filed by Saurabh’s father, Janakraj.

Additional Superintendent of Police Praveen Kumar Chauhan and Circle Officer Anshu Jain visited the scene after the shooting. They gathered details about the incident and examined the location where the confrontation allegedly took place.

The police investigation is expected to focus on the circumstances that led to the argument, the alleged use of the country-made pistol and the injuries sustained by Saurabh and his brothers.

The allegations against the two neighbours remain subject to investigation. Establishing the sequence of events and the evidence connected to the shooting will be important in determining responsibility.

Diwali Celebration Turns Into Violent Neighbourhood Dispute

The shooting highlights how a disagreement during a festival celebration can escalate into a serious violent incident. Firecrackers are commonly associated with Diwali celebrations, but disputes over noise, timing and their use can sometimes lead to confrontations between neighbours.

In this case, the consequences were particularly severe. A man serving in the President’s Bodyguard was critically injured after allegedly being shot during an argument outside his family home.

With Saurabh still receiving intensive medical care, the immediate concern remains his recovery. Meanwhile, police are investigating the allegations against the two neighbours and gathering evidence to establish what happened in Gopalpur Khadana village.

What began as a dispute over firecrackers has resulted in a serious criminal case and left a family waiting anxiously for news about their injured son and brother.