Journalist shot dead during celebratory firing at UP wedding

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A 30-year-old journalist was allegedly shot dead during celebratory firing at a wedding in Uttar Pradesh's Kasganj.

Rahul Mathur was dancing on the stage to DJ music on the night of February 7 when his friend Deepak Thakur fired shots in the air. The journalist, who worked for a local news agency, died on the spot.

"Mathur was attending a wedding ceremony when a stray bullet hit him in the head. He died on the spot," Kasganj SP Ankita Sharma said.

According to a Times of India report, police seized the weapon and bullet shells from the scene. Thakur has been taken into custody, and an investigation is underway.

Locals who attended the wedding said Thakur fired shots in the air and while reloading for another round, the gun accidentally misfired. The bullet struck Mathur in the head, due to which he succumbed to his injuries immediately. Thakur attempted to flee but was caught and beaten by some guests.

The incident happened during the final stage of the wedding ceremony, which continued despite the tragedy. A case has been registered against Thakur under BNS Section 103 (murder) and the Arms Act.

Mathur's body has been sent for postmortem. He is survived by his parents, wife and two children.