Patna, June 19 (IANS) A 32-year-old dancer was shot dead during a wedding celebration in Bihar’s Gopalganj district after allegedly resisting an attempt by some youths to forcibly take him away from the stage.

The incident took place in Patohwa village under the Kateya police station limits late Thursday night.

The deceased has been identified as Sonu Goudh, a resident of Mahua Patan village in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district.

According to police and members of the performing troupe, a wedding procession from Uttar Pradesh had arrived at the residence of Mahendra Kushwaha, where a dance programme was being conducted by a local dance-drama troupe managed by Ramayan Yadav.

After performing several songs, Sonu, the male dancer in female disguise, was resting near the stage when a group of unruly youths allegedly approached him and demanded another performance.

The accused then reportedly attempted to drag him away to a secluded location.

When Sonu resisted, one of the youths allegedly fired at him from point-blank range, hitting him in the stomach.

The injured dancer was rushed to a hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries on the way.

Troupe manager Ramayan Yadav said Sonu had been associated with the group since 2020 and had worked as a dancer for nearly seven years.

Following the death of his parents, he had become the sole breadwinner of his family.

He is survived by three children and a younger brother.

Awadhesh Kumar, the SHO of the Kateya police station, confirmed the incident and said the body has been sent for post-mortem examination.

“We have launched an investigation and are conducting raids to identify and arrest those involved in the killing,” Kumar said.

Officials said efforts are underway to trace the accused, and further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

“We have registered an FIR on the statement of Ramayan Yadav, who was the eyewitness to this case. We are also waiting for the family members of the deceased,” Kumar said.

–IANS

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