MEERUT: A late-night vigil in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district ended in tragedy after a 16-year-old boy was accidentally shot dead by a friend showing off an illegal pistol, police said on Tuesday.
The victim, Rohit Kumar, was part of a local anti-drone patrol in Puthi village, formed by residents after rumours of drone-led reconnaissance for robberies circulated across western UP. While there were no actual drone sightings that night, the makeshift patrols had become common, driven by panic and viral messages on social media.
According to police, the incident occurred around 4am when Rohit and his friend Mayank Kumar (20) stepped aside for a smoke. During this, Mayank allegedly brandished a country-made firearm, which went off accidentally, hitting Rohit in the back and killing him on the spot.
“Mayank was showing off the illegal firearm when he accidentally pulled the trigger. He immediately called the others and informed Rohit’s family,” said Meerut (Rural) SP Rakesh Kumar Mishra.
Rohit was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Illegal Weapon Under Scrutiny
Police have registered an FIR under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (murder) and relevant Arms Act sections. Mayank has been taken into custody, and authorities are investigating how he obtained the illegal weapon.
“He has been jailed. We are also probing the source of the firearm,” Mishra added.
Vigilante Patrols Spark Concern
The shooting has triggered renewed concerns over the rise of vigilante groups in rural areas amid unverified reports of drone sightings. Over the past few weeks, several villages in western UP have reported alleged drones hovering at night, fuelling fears of planned robberies.
Though officials have not confirmed any credible drone threat, the rumours have led to widespread panic and the formation of unregulated night patrols, often involving untrained and armed youths.
Local authorities have appealed for calm and restraint, urging residents to report suspicious activity to police rather than take matters into their own hands.
