Basti, November 11 (TNA) A 30-year-old man died after allegedly shooting himself with a country-made illegal pistol outside a woman’s house in Basewa Rai village under Harraiya police station in Basti district on Wednesday morning. The incident has renewed concern over the availability of illegal firearms and social pressure around marriage in rural Uttar Pradesh.
The deceased was identified as Shivkumar, a resident of Thakurpur in the Parshurampur police station area. Police said he had reached the woman’s house around 7.30 am and was stopped by her family members.
Marriage Dispute at Centre
Police said Shivkumar and the woman were relatives. Their marriage had initially been discussed, but the proposed alliance later broke down, and the woman’s family fixed her marriage elsewhere.
According to police, Shivkumar wanted to marry his paternal aunt’s daughter, but the woman was not willing to marry him. This had created tension between the two families.
Suicide Outside House
Witnesses told police that Shivkumar threatened to end his life if he was not allowed to meet the woman. When the family refused, he allegedly took out a country-made pistol and shot himself. He died on the spot. The incident was reportedly witnessed by people nearby. Police and a forensic team reached the spot after receiving information and collected evidence for investigation.
Illegal Arms Concern
The use of an allegedly country-made illegal pistol has again highlighted the issue of unlicensed weapons in parts of rural Uttar Pradesh. Police have not yet disclosed details of the weapon’s origin, and the investigation is continuing.
The case also underscores the pressure and disputes that can surround marriage arrangements in rural communities. Officials have not announced any arrest or legal action in connection with the incident so far.
Police Investigation Under Way
Harraiya police are investigating the circumstances leading to the death, including the sequence of events, the source of the weapon and statements from family members and witnesses. Further action will depend on the findings of the probe.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of self-harm, help is available. In India, call or WhatsApp the government mental-health helpline Tele-MANAS at 14416, available 24x7.