PESHAWAR (Kashmir English): Groom Tahir Shah, a resident of Peshawar, would have never imagined that he would have to spend the happiest day of his life — his wedding day — behind the bars.
However, that exactly happened when Peshawar police detained him following celebratory aerial firing carried out by his friends and relatives.
Shah was the latest in a series of grooms arrested on their wedding days for allegedly being responsible for customary celebratory gunfire.
Since the city police launched a zero-tolerance crackdown on such incidents, 10 other grooms were also taken into custody during their wedding celebrations in the month of December alone, local media reported.
According to officials, although it is typically the groom’s friends or relatives who fire shots during wedding festivities, the law holds the groom personally responsible. This means that even if someone else discharges the firearm, the groom faces direct legal action.
The provincial police have made it explicitly clear that any celebratory gunfire at weddings will not be tolerated, regardless of who fires the weapon.
Groom in floral garland
The latest incident occurred on Sunday night in the jurisdiction of Mathra Police Station. Authorities acted promptly, arresting groom Tahir Shah, who was still wearing a floral garland.
Photos and videos of the arrest quickly went viral on social media, showing Tahir Shah in police lockup.
According to officials, celebratory gunfire is not only a serious threat to human life but also spreads fear and panic within the community.
The city police have announced that the crackdown will continue with even greater intensity, and all individuals involved in celebratory gunfire will face legal action without exception.
