Kolkata, 05 March (H.S.): A 17-year-old boy was beaten to death by a mob in Malda district, West Bengal, following a shooting incident between two groups during Holi celebrations on Wednesday night. The incident has left the area tense and under heightened police surveillance.

According to reports, a dispute broke out between boys from two groups in the locality on Holi. It is alleged that Sameer Gupta, son of a ration trader, fired his licensed firearm during the clash. The gunfire injured four people, including a 10-year-old minor, who were immediately taken to Malda Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

Following the shooting, a crowd gathered at the scene to protest the violence. The situation escalated rapidly as the mob attacked Sameer Gupta’s residence. Reports indicate that the mob vandalized the house and severely beat a minor, who later died on the way to the hospital.

A senior Malda district police official stated, “Four people were injured in yesterday’s firing incident. Enraged villagers attacked the house of the shooter and his father. A minor was beaten on the street and succumbed to his injuries. A case has been registered and investigation has begun.”

No arrests have been made so far in connection with the mob violence, while a separate complaint has been lodged against the individual accused of firing the gun.

The police are investigating the matter seriously and additional security forces have been deployed in the area to restore peace.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh