BHOPAL: A 10-year-old girl died on Thursday after being struck by what police believe was a stray bullet during Dussehra celebrations in Kolar’s Rajharsh Colony.
The victim, identified as Riya Rajak, daughter of a water supply worker, was a Class 4 student. Around 12:30 pm, she collapsed while playing near a tableau pandal. Witnesses said she had a severe wound between her left shoulder and neck, bleeding heavily. She was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors administered blood transfusion, but she could not be saved.
Her family, engaged in preparing for a bhandara at the pandal, said they harboured no enmity with anyone. Police suspect celebratory firing or test-firing of a weapon during the festivities may have caused the fatal injury.
An investigation has been launched to trace the weapon holder. Officials are checking residents with licensed firearms. A case has been registered.
This is the second such incident in Bhopal this year. In January, a teenage girl in Berasia was injured after being hit by a stray bullet while on her terrace.
