Woman, 21, killed in celebratory firing to mark newborn’s arrival

Bhopal: A 21-year-old woman died after she was hit by a bullet during celebratory firing at a function in Sidhi district on Monday night, police said.The incident took place in Mawai village under the Churhat police station area when a family organised a gathering to celebrate the arrival of a newborn at their home. During the celebration, some people allegedly started firing in the air, a common but dangerous practice often seen during festivities.According to police, a bullet fired during the celebration struck the woman, Ritika Singh, in the abdomen, leaving her critically injured and triggering panic at the gathering. Family members and locals rushed her to a medical facility in Rewa for treatment. "After the incident, they rushed the injured to Rewa for treatment, where doctors declared her brought dead. We are yet to receive the case diary from Rewa. However, prima facie, our findings reveal that it is a case of accidental firing. Things will be clear once we get the case diary and start investigations. But so far, based on what locals are saying and from observing a video of the incident, it seems like a case of accidental firing. The youth who fired was identified as Rishi Singh," Churhat police station in-charge Deepak Singh Baghel told TOI.Police said the woman came from Rewa district to visit her elder sister in the village when the incident occurred. Investigators are examining technical evidence and statements from those present at the function to determine the exact sequence of events.Officials said further legal action will be taken after the case diary is received and the probe formally begins. Celebratory firing during weddings and family events have repeatedly led to accidental deaths and injuries in several parts of the country, prompting authorities to warn against the practice.