Uncle's celebratory shot kills groom

A groom was shot dead on his big day when he was accidentally hit by a gunshot his uncle fired to celebrate the marriage in India.

Pankaj Kishore Karotia, 24, was all set to leave his in-laws' house after claiming his bride on Thursday morning.

His wife was waiting for him in the car and both of them were to return to Karotia's home in Amritpur village of Aligarh district.

When Karotia was receiving the last blessing from his father-in-law, his uncle Rajkumar, who stood next to them, drew out a pistol to fire a final celebratory shot into the air.

The uncle was loading bullets into the pistol when it went off accidentally, hitting Karotia in the head.

The groom was rushed to the hospital but was certified dead an hour later.

Karotia's father, Kishore, told the Indian Express that Rajkumar was eager and excited about the wedding.

"He was attempting to fire a shot into the air to mark the end of the wedding."

Police have arrested Rajkumar and will investigate him for culpable homicide.

Gunfire is a popular celebration custom at lavish Indian weddings.

Superintendent of Police (City) Ashok Tripathi said cases of fatal accidental firing were occurring despite a government directive banning the use of firearms in weddings.

"The relatives told us they were carrying arms to fight off robbers if they were attacked," the police said.

- Senthil Akuja.