RSS volunteer dies in a 'mishap' in Bhopal, family cries foul

Bhopal, Sep.28 (ANI): Naresh Motwani, a volunteer activist of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) died in an accidental gunshot here on Monday.

According to the police, the deceased, Naresh Motwani (50), was cleaning a gun during the annual ritual of 'Shastra Puja' (weapon worship). The bullet hit him on his neck. He was declared brought dead at the hospital.

On Dussehra festival, when demon King Ravana's effigies are burnt, a lot of people worship their weapons as well as part of age-old Hindu ritual. The practice goes back to era of Mahabharata.

Ruchi Srivastava, Assistant Superintendent of Police said initial investigation revealed that while Motwani was cleaning the gun when the mishap happened.

"Around 9.45 a.m. this incident took place at Saraswati Vidya Mandir where the weapon prayers were taking place. Naresh Motwani, the activist died due to accidental firing, which we have come to know. He died after a gunshot. Immediately after the incident he was taken to the hospital where he was declared brought dead. Investigations are on," said Ruchi Srivastava.

However, Dinesh Dongre, a cousin of Naresh Motwani, alleged that Naresh had been killed by someone in the group he was sitting with.

"He has been murdered. Someone among the group he was sitting with has committed this crime. Nobody tried to save and everyone says that they ran from the spot. Definitely, he has been killed. Usually the cleaning of the weapon is done first and the prayers take place later but they say he died after prayers so how can this be possible? Why will he shoot himself in the neck? He did not carry any weapon. He always carried a stick along with him," said Dinesh Dongre. (ANI)