Three Killed, Including Two Brothers, in Firing Over Ramleela Donation Dispute in UP’s Pilibhit

Pilibhit: A dispute over the accounts of Ramleela committee donations in Amaria town of Pilibhit has led to three deaths. In a clash and firing between two groups on Monday night, two brothers from the same family, both businessmen, and a young man passing by on the road were killed. A relative of the family is seriously injured. According to police, the two sides had been in dispute for several years over a demand for the accounts of the Ramleela committee's donations. Police have detained eight people, including the main accused.

Dispute began over donation accounts

The families of Kaushal Gupta and Chandra Prakash Gupta, who live in Amaria town, had been in a long-running dispute over the Ramleela committee's donations. Kaushal Gupta is a member of the committee, while Chandra Prakash's son Suraj Gupta is its president. At a meeting on 9 October, Kaushal Gupta asked Suraj for the accounts of donations for the past four years. The two sides argued over this. People intervened at the time and calmed the matter.

Clash after men reached house at night

The two sides came face to face again at around 6 pm on Monday at an event. At about 9.30 pm, businessmen brothers Mohit Gupta and Ankit Gupta reached Kaushal Gupta's house with their associates. Abuse and a scuffle broke out between the two sides there. It is alleged that Kaushal Gupta, his brother Harshit Gupta, uncle Santosh Gupta and others then opened fire with a licensed rifle and a country-made pistol. Sticks were also used in the clash.

Two brothers and a passer-by killed

Ankit Gupta (30), Mohit Gupta (38), Roz Gupta (20) and Kunal Srivastava (18), who was passing by, were hit by bullets. Police took all of them to hospital. Doctors declared Ankit and Kunal dead. Mohit, who was seriously injured, was referred to Bareilly, where he also died during treatment at around 11 pm. Roz Gupta is being treated in Bareilly. There is mourning in the family home after the deaths of the two brothers.

Eight detained, including main accused

Superintendent of Police (SP) Sukirti Madhav Mishra reached the spot on receiving information about the incident. He said eight people have been detained, including main accused Kaushal Gupta, his brother Harshit Gupta, father Naresh Gupta, uncle Santosh Gupta and cousin Rachit Gupta. Police have recovered Santosh Gupta's licensed rifle, an illegal country-made pistol and sticks. A forensic team has collected evidence from the spot. Police personnel have been deployed in the town to maintain law and order.