Stray Bullets in Turf War Leave Five Children Injured While Playing Outside Their Homes

Panic and anger gripped a neighborhood in Rudrapur after a violent clash between two local groups led to open firing in a residential area, injuring five innocent children who were playing just outside their homes.

The incident unfolded in Ward No. 22’s Tanki Mohalla late Monday evening when a long-standing rivalry between two youth factions erupted into chaos. Armed with country-made pistols, both sides fired at each other without any regard for the safety of bystanders. In the crossfire, five young children—Harsh (7), Nikhil (12), Tanuj (8), Rishabh (8), and Garima (7)—were struck in the legs by shrapnel.

Residents described a terrifying scene as children ran screaming for shelter. Despite trying to shield themselves behind walls, the kids couldn’t escape the flying fragments. They were initially rushed to the district hospital and later referred to a larger facility in Haldwani for specialized care.

Harsh’s father, Gendan Koli, who works at a local sweets shop, rushed home upon hearing the news. He immediately helped get the injured children to medical aid. He expressed deep frustration, saying the outcome could have been far more tragic had the bullets struck their heads or chests. He added that these two groups have long been a nuisance in the area, disturbing the peace and putting lives at risk.

As the injured children recover in the hospital, the community is demanding swift action. Residents are calling on authorities to put an end to this unchecked lawlessness before it leads to an even greater tragedy.

The incident has left the entire neighborhood shaken, highlighting how violence between a few can jeopardize the safety of many—especially the most vulnerable.