Aligarh: What began as an argument over a barking dog in a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh district quickly turned into a shooting, leaving a pet dead and its young owner injured.
Police said a 45 year old man, identified as Vishwajeet, allegedly shot the dog with his licensed revolver after becoming angry over its barking. When the dog’s 23 year old owner, Vikas Sharma, confronted him over the shooting, Vishwajeet allegedly fired again, hitting him in the right leg.
The incident took place on Thursday night in Bhojpur village, under the Harduaganj police station area. Vikas was rushed to hospital following the shooting. An initial report described his condition as critical, while a later police update said he was stable.
Argument over barking turns violent
According to the police account reported Vishwajeet was riding his motorcycle towards his farmhouse when he passed by the Sharma family’s house. Their pet dog began barking at him.
What happened next escalated quickly. Police said an argument broke out between Vishwajeet and the family. The accused allegedly abused them and then pulled out his licensed revolver.
He allegedly shot the dog, killing it on the spot.
The sound of the gunshot brought Vikas outside. On seeing his dog dead, he reportedly confronted Vishwajeet and questioned him about the shooting.Police allege that Vishwajeet then fired another shot. The bullet struck Vikas in his right leg.
Accused flees, police begin search
After the second shooting, Vishwajeet allegedly fled the area with the revolver. Police reached the village after receiving information about the firing and helped arrange medical treatment for Vikas.
A case has been registered against Vishwajeet, and police teams are searching for him. Authorities are also examining the licence and circumstances surrounding the use of the revolver.According to the latest reports available on August 8, the accused had not yet been arrested.
Police have invoked Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to attempt to murder, along with other relevant provisions. For the family, the incident has left behind two losses from what was reportedly a dispute that started with something as ordinary as a dog barking their pet was killed, and Vikas was left nursing a gunshot wound.
The investigation is continuing, with police teams looking for the accused and examining the circumstances that led to the shooting.
Latest update: Vikas Sharma was reported to be stable in the latest police update, while Vishwajeet remained absconding as of August 8, according to the latest available reports.
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