Bride shot on wedding stage
The bride, identified as Aarti Kumari, was standing beside her groom when a man suddenly opened fire.
KATHMANDU: A joyous wedding ceremony in Buxar district, Bihar turned into a horrific incident on Tuesday night when an 18-year-old bride was shot during her own marriage ritual.
The incident took place within Chausa police station limits of the district.
Chaos During Jaimala Ceremony
The bride, Aarti Kumari, was standing on the wedding stage with her groom as family and friends surrounded them.
The couple was engaged in the jaimala (garland exchange) when a man suddenly pulled out a gun and fired at Aarti, hitting her in the stomach.
Guests were stunned as the sound of gunfire cut through the celebration.
Many initially thought the noise was part of festive music or firecrackers until Aarti collapsed on the stage, bleeding and in shock.
Immediate Medical Response
Family members and friends rushed Aarti to the Sadar Hospital in Buxar.
Due to the severity of her injuries, doctors later referred her to a trauma centre in Varanasi, where she remains in critical condition on ventilator support.
Before being taken for treatment, Aarti reportedly told her relatives, “Deenbandhu shot me,” identifying her attacker.
Accused and Possible Motive
The suspected shooter is Deenbandhu, a neighbour of the bride.
He had allegedly been pursuing Aarti for nearly two years despite her rejecting his advances.
The tension reportedly escalated after her marriage was fixed.
The accused fled the scene immediately after firing and is currently absconding.
Authorities have launched a manhunt and questioned his parents as part of the investigation.
