Youth hurt during celebratory firing at kin's Palam home

A 20-year-old man had a narrow escape on Wednesday night when a bullet, shot at a point-blank range amid celebratory firing at his brother-in-law's home in southwest Delhi's Palam area, pierced his hand. Akshay could have lost his life but was saved by a stroke of luck.

Around 10 days ago, Akshay's brother-in-law Sunil and his wife were blessed with a baby boy. The family organised a party for friends and family members at their Manglapuri residence in southwest Delhi. The celebrations, however, took an ugly turn when the family members spotted Akshay's bleeding forearm around 10.30pm.

The youth was rushed to the Gangaram Hospital, where doctors, after attending to him, informed the police. Akshay was later reported to be out of danger and a case was registered regarding the incident. Akshay's brother-in-law is being questioned.

"We received information from the hospital about a man with a gunshot wound. We came to know that he sustained the bullet injury during a dinner party at home. A case has been registered," Deputy Commissioner of Police (southwest) Surendra Kumar said.

Sources said the police were told that a few people at the function had unlicensed pistols, and were firing as part of celebrations. Apart from Sunil, other family members might also be rounded up soon, investigating officers revealed. So far, no weapon has been seized.