Presidential Bodyguard Shot in India During Diwali Dispute

A member of Indian President Droupadi Murmu’s bodyguard unit has been shot in the head following a dispute over bursting firecrackers on Diwali night in Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh.

The injured soldier, identified as Saurabh Tomar, 26, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Meerut. His condition is critical, according to NDTV.

According to police and local residents, Saurabh was bursting firecrackers outside his home with his two brothers, Vineet and Mintu, on Diwali night. During this time, an argument broke out with two local residents, Dheeraj and his brother Manu, also known as Praveen.

The dispute soon turned violent. Dheeraj allegedly pulled out a country-made pistol and opened fire. One bullet initially struck a wall before hitting Saurabh on the back of his head, near his ear. He collapsed to the ground after being shot.

At the same time, Dheeraj’s brother allegedly attacked Vineet with a stick. During the ensuing clash, Mintu reportedly struck Manu, also known as Praveen, with a stick. The incident caused panic among people who had gathered at the scene. The accused later fled.

Local residents said the two groups had previously been on friendly terms and often spent time together. However, they reportedly had a dispute about two months ago.

Saurabh joined the Indian Army in 2021. He is currently serving in the President’s Bodyguard, the elite cavalry regiment responsible for protecting President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. It is the Indian Army’s oldest and senior-most cavalry regiment.

He had returned to his native village on leave to celebrate Diwali with his family.

After the shooting, family members initially took him to a community health centre in Baraut. He was later referred to Meerut Medical College. However, his family subsequently shifted him to a private hospital in Meerut.

Doctors performed surgery and successfully removed the bullet from his head. However, he remains in the intensive care unit (ICU), and his condition is still critical, according to medical sources.

Following the incident, Saurabh’s father, Janak Raj, called the emergency helpline and alerted the police. Officers arrived at the scene and launched an investigation.

Senior police officials, including the Circle Officer and Additional Superintendent of Police in Baraut, visited the scene.

Police said they had registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Dheeraj and Manu, also known as Praveen, based on a written complaint filed by Janak Raj. The suspects remain at large, and efforts are underway to arrest them.