Brother-in-law arrested in Gwalior pistol case:Man shot sister-in-law during family event, later tried to hide body in deep freezer

Police have arrested another accused in the case of a woman’s death caused by a gunshot during a family celebration, taking the total investigation deeper into illegal arms supply and attempted cover-up. The arrested man, identified as the victim’s brother-in-law, allegedly supplied the pistol used in the incident. The main accused, the deceased woman’s brother-in-law Yogesh, had already been sent to jail. Arrest made after tip-off Police said they received information from an informant that accused Amar Kushwaha was seen near Vivekanand Chauraha. When the police team reached the spot, he tried to flee but was caught after a brief chase. During interrogation, Amar reportedly revealed that he had purchased the pistol from Monu Batham of Ghasmandi, who was murdered last year. Police are now investigating the original source of the weapon and the wider supply network. Fatal accident during family celebration The incident took place on Sunday (May 31) during a “chhathi” ceremony (naming celebration of a newborn). A celebratory firing attempt turned deadly when a bullet struck the child’s mother, Jahnavi alias Jyoti Kushwaha (32), on the head. The celebration was being held at the home of Manoj Kushwah in Thathipura’s Nadi Paar Tal, Triptinagar area. Family members and guests were present when the tragedy occurred between 10 and 11 am. Accidental firing during mishandling of pistol According to eyewitness accounts and police investigation, accused Yogesh was repeatedly loading and unloading an illegal pistol in preparation for celebratory firing. During this process, the trigger was accidentally pressed, and a bullet hit the woman sitting nearby. She collapsed on the spot and died before receiving medical help, triggering panic and chaos inside the house. Body hidden in deep freezer to conceal crime Instead of informing the police, the family allegedly attempted to conceal the incident. Police said that Yogesh and his brother Manoj brought a deep freezer and placed the body inside it to prevent decomposition and delay detection. Later, they allegedly planned to perform the last rites secretly at night. Attempt to mislead neighbours Locals were reportedly told that the woman had died due to illness in an attempt to avoid suspicion. However, information reached the police before the cremation could take place. Police intervention exposed the cover-up attempt. Accused claim “accidental trigger pull” In his statement to police, Yogesh claimed he was joking with the weapon when the incident occurred. He said a cartridge had stuck in the chamber during earlier firing attempts. He further stated that he pointed the pistol at his brother, then sister, and finally at his sister-in-law while joking, and during the third attempt, the stuck cartridge fired, resulting in the fatal shot. Investigation continues Police are now focusing on the illegal weapon supply chain and the involvement of multiple individuals linked to the firearm. Further arrests are expected as the investigation continues.