Monday, 18 September 2023, PNS | JOSHIMATH
Local shopkeeper Vineet Saini, who hails from Roorkee in Haridwar district, was arrested by the Badrinath police on Sunday for allegedly firing a round from his licensed pistol during an argument with locals late on Friday night. Following this incident, the recently appointed Chamoli superintendent of police Rekha Yadav has directed the police officers to conduct a verification of arms licenses of local shopkeepers and hotel operators in Badrinath including those issued in other districts.
It will be recalled that on Friday night, Anuj Singh had an argument with Saini on some issue. The argument escalated and Saini allegedly let off a round from his licensed pistol. Though nobody was injured in the shooting, the incident caused fear and outrage in the temple township. The locals staged a protest and kept the local market closed for three hours on the next day. On Saturday, Singh lodged a police complaint against Saini, accusing him of shooting with the intention of killing, indulging in violence and verbal abuse. A case was lodged in the Badrinath police station and the police started investigating the case. Considering the sensitivity of the incident in the temple township, the SP directed that strict action should be taken against the accused. A police team was formed and it arrested the accused Saini from near his shop on Sunday. The pistol used in the incident was also seized from his possession. During investigation it was ascertained that the license for the pistol with Saini was issued from Haridwar district. According to the police, prima facie, the accused had violated the conditions of the arms license. After seizing the pistol, the police are sending a report for cancellation of the arms license to Haridwar district. The accused will be presented in the court, added the police.
