Badoli (Una), November 9: A couple was killed and two other people were injured in Badoli village of Himachal Pradesh's Una district on Diwali night after a dispute over bursting firecrackers escalated into a violent clash between two neighbouring families, police said. The man accused of running the couple over with his Thar SUV was also seriously injured and is undergoing treatment, PTI reported.

Source: PTI via Dainik Jagran

According to the reports, the dispute began at around 10 pm on Sunday between two minor children over bursting firecrackers in Ward 4 of Badoli, under Una police station limits, and soon drew in both families, who reportedly had a history of disputes. Sharp-edged weapons were allegedly used in the clash that followed.

At around 11:30 pm, Jarnail Singh, who sells second-hand cars, was taking his injured son Keshav to hospital in his Thar when, it is alleged, Omkar Singh and his wife blocked his way, and in a fit of rage he drove the vehicle over the couple, killing them. The deceased man has been identified as Omkar Singh, a resident of Badoli; doctors at the Regional Hospital in Una declared the couple dead. All of these claims are allegations that police say they are still verifying.

The other family's account, recorded in complaints reported by local Himachal outlets, differs in sequence: it alleges that Jarnail Singh and his son first drove the Thar at family members outside their gate at around 9:30 pm, while the accused side's complaint alleges sharp-weapon attacks on them first. Police have registered cross FIRs on the complaints of both sides.

Source: Live Himachal

Angered locals allegedly thrashed Jarnail Singh after the incident. He was taken to the Regional Hospital in Una and later referred to PGIMER, Chandigarh, for treatment. PTI reported that the accused is undergoing treatment and is yet to be arrested.

Una Superintendent of Police Sachin Hiremath said police were investigating the case, that preliminary investigations had revealed certain facts, and that a forensic (FSL) team had been called to collect evidence from the scene. Police said they were examining all aspects of the incident and that further investigation was underway.

Source: PTI via Dainik Jagran