Excise Department Constable Critically Injured in Celebration Firing During Tilkotsav; Two Constables Suspended

Sultanpur, February 18, 2026: A constable of the Uttar Pradesh Excise Department was critically injured during celebratory firing at a Tilkotsav event in Karamajitpur village under Motigarpur police jurisdiction in Sultanpur. The bullet, reportedly fired accidentally by a fellow constable, struck him in the waist.

Incident Details
The injured officer, Vineet Mishra (36), a resident of Malhipur, Chanda police station area, was attending the event at the Tilkotsav of Ankur Shukla, another Excise Department constable posted in Lucknow. Fellow constable Surendra Yadav, from Umarpur, Baghra, Pratapgarh, who had come from Raebareli, was firing in celebration when the accident occurred.

Immediately after the incident, colleagues rushed Vineet Mishra to Sultanpur Medical College. However, due to insufficient trauma arrangements, he was later shifted to a private hospital in Prayagraj, where he underwent surgery around 2 AM. His condition is now reported to be stable.

Action Taken
Motigarpur police arrested the accused, Surendra Yadav, while two other constables, Sanoj Yadav and Sintu Yadav, were suspended for their alleged involvement. A case has been registered under Section 109 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 7 of the CLA Act for attempted murder, based on a complaint filed by Sub-Inspector Shriram Mishra.

Police Statement
CO Jaisinghpur, Ramkrishna Chaturvedi, stated that strict action has been taken given the severity of the incident. The case highlights concerns over the safety protocols followed during celebratory firing at public events.