Bulandshahr triple murder: One of the accused injured in encounter

One of the accused allegedly involved in the triple murder case that took place at a birthday party was injured following an encounter with police on Monday.

A birthday celebration in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district turned tragic after the birthday boy—Jeetu— allegedly shot dead three of his friends following a dispute over smearing cake on his face.

The deceased were identified as Manish Saini, Akash Saini and Amardeep Saini. One of the deceased was said to be the brother of a local BJP corporator while the other two were his nephews.

Sources said that there was an altercation between Jeetu and the victims after one of them smeared cake on Jeetu’s face.

A furious Jeetu left the gym and returned soon after with his friends. Jeetu, who carried a gun, opened fire on the three, who were still sitting there, sources said.

A case was registered in connection with the incident, and three accused, Rupesh, Mayank and Naresh, were earlier arrested and questioned, police said.

During interrogation, Mayank revealed that he had hidden an illegal firearm under a flyover, they said.

Acting on his disclosure, a police team took him to the spot on Monday for recovery of the weapon.

According to police, Mayank attempted to escape from custody and opened fire at the team using the concealed weapon with an intent to kill.

The police retaliated in self-defence, during which the accused sustained a bullet injury in his leg and was subsequently overpowered and arrested, officials said.

Khurja Circle Officer Shobhit Kumar said an illegal .315 bore country-made pistol and an empty cartridge were recovered from the accused.

The accused, a resident of Khurja, has been admitted to a hospital for treatment.

(with PTI inputs)