Overview
- A Provincial Armed Constabulary service carbine discharged accidentally on Saturday, July 4, 2026, when two rounds struck the road and concrete fragments struck nearby flower vendors.
- The injured were identified as Nikhil (Nikky) Gupta, Ram Babu and Vikas Yadav, all local florists who were treated at area hospitals and reported stable or discharged after first aid.
- Doctors and police said the wounds were caused by concrete shrapnel from the bullets hitting the road rather than direct bullet strikes.
- Preliminary reporting said the carbine fell after its sling or belt failed and some outlets named a PAC jawan and the 48th Battalion, but officials describe those attributions as unconfirmed while a formal inquiry proceeds.
- The episode revived safety concerns after a similar accidental discharge at the temple precinct in March 2025 and could prompt reviews of PAC firearm handling and checkpoint procedures at high‑footfall pilgrimage sites.