Bulandshahr, July 15 (IANS) Two people were killed while two others were critically injured after a financial dispute between two groups escalated in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr, officials said on Wednesday.

The incident occurred in Nizampur village under the jurisdiction of the Sikandrabad Police Station. Police said the violence stemmed from an argument over a monetary transaction that quickly spiralled into a confrontation between two groups.

The officials said that the dispute occurred when Uttam Sharma, a resident of Sikandarabad, got into an argument with a person identified as Prashant over financial transactions. However, the disagreement soon intensified, and the people from both groups from Nizampur village clashed.

The verbal dispute soon escalated into a physical fight, and simultaneously, firearms were allegedly used, triggering a violent clash between the rival groups.

According to the officials, during the altercation, Ajab Singh (45) was shot by members of one group. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Later, in retaliation, police said that members of the rival group deliberately rammed a car into Sonu alias Sunil (40), killing him on the spot.

Additionally, two other individuals, identified as Arvind and Ratan, sustained bullet injuries during the firing. They are currently receiving treatment.

Speaking to IANS, Bulandshahr Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dinesh Kumar Singh said the investigation so far indicates that the violence originated from a dispute over money before escalating into a deadly confrontation.

“An argument turned into a physical fight, and soon shots were fired. A person identified as Ajab Singh died in the firing, while Arvind and Ratan were injured and are undergoing treatment,” he said.

From the rival group, SSP Singh mentioned that Sonu was allegedly run over by a vehicle during the violence and died on the spot.

“Everyone involved in the incident is being identified, and strict legal action will be taken,” the SSP said.

Following the incident, personnel from three police stations, along with senior officers, including the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Meerut Range, the SSP, the SP City and the Circle Officer, reached the village to take stock of the situation and supervise the investigation.

Investigation is underway, and further details are awaited.

–IANS

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