Ex-serviceman held for firing during wedding procession

According to the Peddapalli assistant commissioner of police Habeeb Khan, the accused Baddam Tirumal Reddy was an ex-serviceman who had worked in the Jammu and Kashmir regiment from 2002 till 2019.

Karimnagar (Telangana):An ex-serviceman was arrested for allegedly opening fire in the air during a marriage procession in Peddapalli district to prevent a quarrel between two groups, police said on Friday.

According to the Peddapalli assistant commissioner of police Habeeb Khan, the accused Baddam Tirumal Reddy was an ex-serviceman who had worked in the Jammu and Kashmir regiment from 2002 till 2019.

After retirement, he got himself an arms licence for self-protection.

He carried a DBBL (Double-Barrel Breach Loading) shotgun during the procession at Sayampet village in Dharmaram Mandal and opened fire in the air.

It was said Reddy opened fire to prevent a quarrel between two groups during a marriage.

"Even though he has an arms licence, he has no power to open fire in public," the police official said.

The weapon was seized from him, along with 14 used and six empty cartridges.

Reddy and four others who encouraged him to use the weapon were taken into custody.

He said a case under Indian Arms Act has been registered.

On enquiry, it came to light that Reddy had opened fire in the air also during the new year celebrations, the police official said.

(with PTI inputs)