An unfortunate groom has died on his wedding day after being hit by a stray bullet from a gun fired to celebrate his happy day.
Smoking rifle (file photo)
A groom was hit and killed by a bullet apparently fired by celebrating members of his wedding party in northern India, AFP reports.
The man, Amit Rastogi, 28, was fatally struck late Wednesday in Uttar Pradesh state while leading the party to his bride's house, in the customary manner at Indian weddings.
"He was hit by a bullet in the head apparently fired by someone from the marriage party but we are looking at other angles, including murder," said Uma Shankar Singh, the investigating officer in Sitapur district where the incident occurred.
The officer said the groom, who fell from his horse after being hit, was taken to hospital in the state capital Lucknow where doctors declared him dead.
Although outlawed in India, celebratory firing at weddings and other events is common in the country, across South Asia and in other regions, although fatalities are relatively few.