Staring, showing slippers row snowballs into fatal clash in Gwalior, man killed, 3 hurt

Bhopal: A minor dispute allegedly triggered by “staring” and showing slippers snowballed into a fatal clash in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior district, where four brothers allegedly opened fire on a neighbouring family, killing one person and injuring three others in Khureri village under Murar police station limits on Tuesday night.Police said the incident occurred when members of the Kushwaha family were preparing to leave for a relative’s “bhat” ceremony. An argument reportedly broke out outside their house and quickly escalated into violence.According to Murar sub-divisional officer of police Atul Kumar Soni, the Kushwaha and Baghel families had an old dispute related to a plot of land. On the day of the incident, members of the Kushwaha family were closing the shutter of their shop when the accused allegedly objected, claiming they were being stared at and insulted by being shown slippers. “This led to a verbal spat and then the Baghel family members went to their roof and, using their licensed weapon, fired at least 15-20 rounds,” Soni told TOI.Ramesh Singh Kushwaha, head of the Kushwaha family, died on the spot, while his wife and son sustained injuries. The firing created panic in the village, forcing residents to rush indoors as gunshots continued late into the night.“Two accused, Anaar Singh Baghel and Rajpal Baghel, were arrested on Friday. Search for others is going on,” Soni added.Police said the accused used a licensed firearm during the attack and further investigation is underway.