**Bhopal: Police Seize Rifle for Ballistic Examination Following Death of 10-Year-Old Girl During Dussehra Celebrations**
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Police have seized a .315 bore rifle and fired cartridges from a licensed owner and sent them to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Sagar, for ballistic examination following the tragic death of a 10-year-old girl during Dussehra celebrations in Bhopal.
Sources from the police department revealed that the firearm belongs to a senior retired police officer, and the firing took place in an open-air location.
The victim, Riya Rajak, daughter of Sunil Rajak and a resident of Shashi Hi-Tech City, Rajharsh Colony, was injured on October 2 when a stray bullet struck her shoulder. She was rushed to a private hospital around noon but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries at 4:55 p.m.
Initially, doctors did not confirm a gunshot wound, and a case under the relevant section was registered. However, a postmortem conducted at Gandhi Medical College on October 3 revealed a .315 bore bullet inside her body, confirming that the cause of death was a firearm injury. Subsequently, an FIR was filed against an unknown person.
Investigations by a special police team revealed that the bullet was fired during Dussehra puja from an open area roughly one kilometer away from where Riya was struck.
Authorities have stated that further action will be taken based on the FSL report, as the investigation continues to identify the person responsible for this tragic incident.
**MPHRC Seeks Detailed Investigation Report**
Taking note of the child’s death due to celebratory firing, Avadhesh Pratap Singh, a member of the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission (MPHRC), has directed the Bhopal Police Commissioner to submit a detailed investigation report within two weeks.
The commission is closely monitoring the case to ensure justice is served.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/bhopal-news-girls-death-in-celebratory-firing-weapons-seized-from-licensed-owner-for-ballistic-examination