Morena Tragedy: Man Arrested After Minor Son’s Accidental Gunfire Kills Seven-Year-Old

Police in Morena district have arrested a man for alleged criminal negligence after his licensed firearm was accidentally discharged by his minor son, killing a seven-year-old child who was playing nearby, officials said on Sunday.

The incident took place late Saturday night in the Sanjay Nagar locality of Porsa town. According to police, the victim—a seven-year-old boy whose family lived as tenants in the house—was inside a room playing with the landlord’s minor son when a shot was fired from a licensed .315 bore rifle owned by the landlord, Ravi alias Lokendra Tomar.

The bullet struck the child in the head, causing fatal injuries. He died on the spot.

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Police Action and Initial Findings

After receiving information, police rushed to the location, secured the area, and seized the firearm. The rifle owner was taken into custody, and a preliminary inquiry was initiated.

A post-mortem examination later confirmed that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head, officials said.

During the investigation, police uncovered serious lapses in firearm safety. According to officers, the rifle was kept loaded inside the house, its safety mechanism was not engaged, and it was stored in a location easily accessible to children.

“These violations directly contributed to the accidental discharge,” a police official involved in the investigation said, adding that licensed firearm holders are legally required to follow strict storage and safety protocols.

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Case Registered Against Licence Holder

Based on the findings, Porsa police registered a case under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) against the licence holder for negligence. He was subsequently arrested.

The seized rifle has been sent for forensic and ballistic examination to determine the exact circumstances under which it was fired.

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Broader Safety Concerns

The incident has once again drawn attention to firearm safety and responsible ownership, particularly in households where children are present. Police officials stressed that licences come with strict obligations, and failure to comply can lead to severe legal consequences.

“Licensed weapons are meant for protection, not to be left unattended or accessible,” a senior police officer said, urging gun owners to strictly adhere to storage norms.

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What’s Next

Police said further legal action will depend on the forensic and ballistic reports, as well as the final outcome of the investigation. Authorities also indicated that the case may be reviewed under the Arms Act for additional violations related to unsafe storage.

The death of the child has left the local community in shock, with residents calling for stricter enforcement of firearm safety rules to prevent similar tragedies in the future.