Gorakhpur (UP), February 15 A DJ operator was killed in what is alleged to be celebratory firing during a wedding procession here, police said on Sunday.
The incident occurred in the Gagaha area, about 100 meters before the procession reached the Guru Kripa Marriage Hall near the Baba Baleshwar Nath temple.
The deceased, identified as Chhotu (18), was a resident of Gaushala village under the Gola police station limits. He was operating the DJ system as the groom's procession made its way to the venue.
According to police and eyewitnesses, the "baraat" (wedding procession) of Shubhransh was heading to the marriage hall when the incident occurred. While people were dancing to loud music, a young man accompanying the procession allegedly started firing a pistol in the air in celebration.
Witnesses said that three shots were fired in quick succession. While two bullets went into the air, the third struck Chhotu in the head, causing him to collapse immediately.
He was rushed to the district hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Following the incident, several members of the procession left the venue. However, the wedding rituals were later completed.
Police have sent the body for post-mortem and have detained some individuals for questioning.
SP (South) Dinesh Puri confirmed that the death was caused by celebratory firing and said that those who were part of the wedding procession are being questioned. He also added that CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined to identify the person who opened fire.