Jaipur: A highway eatery manager who survived an accidental shooting died hours later when the ambulance taking him to a hospital in Jodhpur overturned in Nagaur district early Friday after the driver swerved to avoid cattle. The first incident occurred around 3.30am at a hotel under Nagaur Sadar police station limits. Ram Kumar alias Ramdas (40), who ran the hotel, was allegedly shot by a liquor trader who was showing off a country-made pistol while the two were talking after a late-night meal.Additional SP Asaram Chaudhary said the accused, Mahipal Bishnoi of Nandia village in Jodhpur’s Bhopalgarh area, had eaten food and then asked for tea. During conversation, he allegedly pulled out the pistol and began displaying it. Initial information suggests an argument over a delay in serving food, but investigators later found no evidence of a quarrel and said the firearm appeared to have discharged accidentally while being handled.“The bullet struck Kumar in the chest and exited near his shoulder, leaving him critically injured. Bishnoi fled after the firing incident,” said Choudhary.The staff rushed Kumar to JLN Hospital in Nagaur, where police recorded his statement before doctors referred him to Jodhpur for specialised treatment. But the journey ended in tragedy. The ambulance overturned near Khinvsar after the driver allegedly lost control while trying to avoid cattle on the road. Ram kumar died in the crash before reaching the hospital.Three others — the ambulance driver, hotel owner and hotel employee Ranjeet — were injured in the accident and are undergoing treatment at JLN Hospital, Nagaur.Police, forensic science laboratory personnel, district special team members and local investigators examined the hotel and collected evidence. Bloodstains were found inside the premises. Police said the investigation so far indicates that the shooting was accidental, though raids are underway to arrest absconding Bishnoi. Investigators are also examining the circumstances surrounding the illegal firearm.
