Gurugram: A shocking incident in Gurugram has left the city reeling after a class 11 student was shot by a schoolmate using his father’s licensed pistol. The victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to the neck, remains in critical condition at a private hospital, according to police sources. Authorities have registered an FIR and apprehended two minor students in connection with the case, highlighting concerns over school-related violence and the accessibility of firearms to minors.

The incident took place at around 9:30 pm on Saturday in a rented flat in Sector 48, Gurugram, where the students had gathered. Police officials reported that three classmates were present when a verbal spat escalated into a violent confrontation, culminating in one student firing at another. The bullet struck the victim in the neck, causing severe injury. The injured student was immediately rushed to a private hospital by responding police teams, while the two minor students involved were taken into custody for further questioning.

Details of the Incident

According to police reports, the confrontation had roots in an altercation that occurred approximately two months prior. The victim’s mother stated in her complaint that her son had previously had a disagreement with the accused shooter. This unresolved grudge appeared to have motivated the violent attack. On the evening of the shooting, the accused reportedly called the victim and persuaded him to meet, despite the mother’s initial reluctance. The victim’s mother recounted that her son initially refused the invitation, but after the friend insisted and offered to pick him up, she allowed him to go.

The two students met at the Kherki Daula toll, where they reportedly shared food and drinks before heading to the accused’s flat. Upon arrival, tensions flared, and the shooter allegedly fired at the victim with the intent to harm or kill. Police sources have confirmed the recovery of one pistol, two magazines, 70 cartridges, and a bullet shell from the scene, underscoring the serious nature of the crime.

Investigation and Police Response

The Gurugram police have launched a full-scale investigation into the case. The FIR has been registered at the Sadar police station, and the two minor students implicated in the incident are currently in custody. During preliminary interrogations, the accused allegedly admitted that all three students involved are classmates in class 11 at the same school.

Investigators have also revealed that the accused’s father, who resides in Patli village, works as a property dealer, and the pistol used in the incident was legally licensed and stored in their home. Authorities are probing whether there were lapses in firearm storage and access that allowed a minor to obtain the weapon. The investigation is ongoing, with police examining the sequence of events leading up to the shooting and the motivations behind the act.

The Victim’s Condition

The victim, a 17-year-old student, is being treated for a gunshot wound to the neck. Medical officials have described his condition as critical, and he is under close observation in a private hospital. The nature of the injury has raised serious concerns regarding the potential long-term impact on the young student, both physically and psychologically.

The incident has left the community shaken, with parents, educators, and residents expressing deep concern over the escalation of school disputes into violent confrontations and the role of firearms in amplifying such conflicts.

Parental Account and Background

In her complaint, the victim’s mother provided detailed information about the events leading to the shooting. She stated that her son had initially declined to meet his friend but was eventually persuaded to join him. She highlighted that the incident was premeditated, citing the unresolved altercation from two months earlier as the primary motive.

The mother emphasized that her son’s friend had lured him to the flat under the pretext of a casual meeting, only to carry out the attack. She also pointed out the presence of another friend, who was allegedly complicit in the crime. The mother’s account has been crucial in guiding the police investigation and establishing a timeline of events.

Legal and Social Implications

The Gurugram case has once again brought to light the challenges associated with juvenile crime, firearm access, and school safety. Experts note that while the Indian Penal Code provides for strict penalties for offences involving firearms, the involvement of minors complicates legal proceedings. The Juvenile Justice Act mandates a distinct process for handling cases involving individuals below the age of 18, focusing on rehabilitation in addition to punishment.

Additionally, the case has raised questions about the storage and supervision of licensed firearms in households. Authorities have stressed that strict adherence to safety protocols is essential to prevent minors from accessing weapons, particularly in homes where students may come into contact with family members’ firearms.

Community and School Response

Local residents and school authorities have expressed shock and concern following the incident. The event has prompted schools in Gurugram to revisit safety measures and conflict-resolution protocols for students. Mental health professionals have also emphasized the need for counseling and awareness programs to address anger management, peer pressure, and non-violent conflict resolution among adolescents.

Community leaders have called for stricter monitoring of private firearm ownership and better education for parents regarding responsible storage and supervision. The case has sparked discussions on the role of social media, peer influence, and the pressures faced by adolescents in urban school environments, all of which can contribute to escalated conflicts.

Police Advisory and Ongoing Investigation

Gurugram police have appealed to parents and guardians to remain vigilant regarding their children’s associations and activities. They have also underscored the importance of securing firearms and monitoring access to weapons within households. The ongoing investigation will determine whether additional charges, including culpable homicide or attempt to murder, could be filed against the accused minors, depending on the outcome of forensic and medical examinations.

The police have also indicated that they are probing the role of the second minor who was present during the incident, as well as any potential lapses in supervision or planning that facilitated the shooting. Forensic teams are analyzing evidence from the scene, including ballistic tests on the recovered pistol and shell, to establish the sequence of events accurately.

Conclusion

The Gurugram shooting incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with juvenile conflicts escalating into violent acts, particularly in the presence of firearms. The case has not only put the spotlight on the legal and societal challenges of handling crimes committed by minors but also emphasized the critical need for responsible gun ownership, vigilant parenting, and effective conflict management in schools.

As the investigation continues, authorities remain focused on securing justice for the victim and preventing similar incidents in the future. The community, meanwhile, grapples with the unsettling reality that even among teenagers, unresolved disputes can turn deadly when combined with easy access to firearms. The incident has ignited a broader discussion on adolescent behavior, school safety, and the urgent necessity of public awareness and preventive measures to safeguard young lives.

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