President’s Bodyguard Jawan Saurabh Tomar Shot in Baghpat Diwali Dispute, Police Hunt Suspects

Army jawan injured in village dispute

An Army soldier serving in the Presidentâs Bodyguard regiment was shot in the head in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district on the night of November 8, during Diwali celebrations. Saurabh Tomar, who is stationed at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, had gone home to Gopalpur Khadana village on leave when the altercation took place.

How the incident unfolded

According to police and family accounts, Tomar was bursting firecrackers outside his home with his brothers when an argument broke out with two neighbours, Dheeraj and Praveen, alias Monu. The dispute reportedly stemmed from an old rivalry. As tensions escalated, a country-made pistol was fired; the bullet reportedly struck a wall, ricocheted and hit Tomar behind the ear. His brother Vineet was also struck on the head with a stick.

Police said they received information around 10 pm and inspected the scene immediately. Baghpat Police said both brothers were taken promptly to a hospital in Meerut, where doctors said they were out of danger.

Medical condition and police action

Tomar, 26 or 28 according to differing reports, underwent surgery at a private hospital in Meerut to remove the bullet. Police said on Tuesday that he remained in the ICU in critical condition, while the family and Tomar himself described him as stable and safe. Tomar said in a statement to ANI that he had lodged a complaint and that police had responded.

A case has been registered at Ramala police station on the written complaint of Tomar’s father, Janakraj, including an attempt-to-murder charge. Police said three teams have been formed to arrest the accused, identified as Dheeraj and Monu, who remain at large. Officials said the investigation is continuing.

Background

The Presidentâs Bodyguard is the Indian Army’s senior-most regiment in order of precedence. Based at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the cavalry unit performs ceremonial escort and security duties for the President of India, and its personnel also take part in mounted ceremonial displays. Tomar was recruited in 2021 and is posted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

What next

Police have said the suspects will be arrested soon and that legal proceedings will follow. Further details on Tomar’s condition and the status of the manhunt are expected as the investigation proceeds.