Retired army brigadier shot dead in Dehradun morning walk; police probe stray bullet

A retired Army Brigadier named VK Joshi, was shot dead while on a morning walk with his friends in Rajpur, Dehradun, on Monday. The police suspect that he was hit by a stray bullet during an argument between occupants of two vehicles.

The incident occurred near Tula Apartments in Johri village. Brigadier Joshi was taken to a hospital but died during treatment. Police have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation. Officials said preliminary inquiries show a road rage dispute led to firing at vehicle tyres, unintentionally striking the Brigadier.

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The accused fled, and authorities are examining CCTV footage to trace them.

What actually happened

As per the Indian Express, the incident took place around 6.40 am when occupants of a Delhi-registered Fortuner and a Scorpio argued over giving way near Malsi on Mussoorie Road. The Scorpio chased the Fortuner and fired at its tyres to stop it. During the firing, a person walking nearby that was Brigadier VK Joshi (retired) was hit by a bullet. He was immediately taken to Max Hospital but died during treatment. The Fortuner lost control and crashed near a primary school, and its occupants were assaulted by the Scorpio passengers. Two people in the Fortuner were injured and hospitalized.

According to The Indian Express reports, police said “The occupants of the Scorpio chased the Fortuner and fired at its tyres to force it to stop. During the firing, a person walking on the road was accidentally hit by a bullet and was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment. The Fortuner lost control near the Government Primary School in Johri village and crashed into a tree on the roadside. After this, the occupants of the Scorpio car assaulted those in the Fortuner and damaged the vehicle. Two people in the Fortuner sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital by their associates.”

What ANI reported

ANI posted a video on X writing, “According to officials at the scene, the firing broke out during an argument between people travelling in two vehicles, and a stray bullet hit the Brigadier while he was out for a walk. Police cordon off the area and investigation is underway."

Eyewitness account

An eyewitness told Republic TV, "During a morning walk, I saw an incident, and on reaching the spot, the people who were with the Brigadier said that he had been shot. It was said that people in 2 vehicles were firing at each other..."

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Family complaint and FIR

As per the Indian Express, Brigadier Joshi’s brother-in-law Rakesh Upreti, present at the scene, said in his complaint, "We were on a morning walk at around 6.30 am, and when we reached the primary school located in Johri village, a white car and a black car were racing at a high speed. Within moments, a gunshot was fired with the intention to kill, which struck my brother-in-law in the chest. He immediately fell to the ground. We rushed him for treatment to Max Hospital, where the doctors declared him dead." An FIR has been registered under sections of murder against unknown accused, and a district-wide alert and intensive checking campaign is underway to trace the suspects.

Police investigation

According to a report by The Indian Express, police said all occupants of the Scorpio fled the scene. CCTV footage from the area and surrounding routes is being examined. Authorities are working to find and catch the suspects while continuing their investigation.

The death of retired Brigadier VK Joshi shows how dangerous road rage can be. Police are working to find the people responsible and bring them to justice.