Jaipur: A 35-year-old former watchman, identified as Bharat Singh Meena, was arrested Thursday for allegedly firing shots at the residence of a retired IRS officer in the upscale Mahaveer Nagar neighborhood. The incident, which occurred late Wednesday night, was accompanied by threats to burn the officer alive using diesel.According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (East), Sanjeev Nain, Meena is a native of Karauli and has been residing on Muhana Mandi Road in Jaipur. The armed confrontation stems from past grievances between Meena and the retired officer. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Malviya Nagar), Aditya Poonia, revealed that the accused had a history with the family, having previously conducted a theft at their home in 2023 when he was employed as a watchman. “During a meticulous investigation that involved analyzing CCTV footage and interrogating suspects, the police were able to identify Meena as the perpetrator. He was apprehended just in time to prevent any further violence,” said Poonia. In his confession, Meena expressed feelings of financial ruin, blaming the IRS official for his troubles, particularly citing the bail proceedings following his and his wife’s arrest for theft in 2023 that drained his finances. In a premeditated act of revenge, Meena allegedly acquired a crude pistol and six cartridges for ₹11,800. “Just four days prior to the attack, he made threatening calls to the IRS officer, hurling abuses and demanding money while issuing dire threats of arson,” a senior police officer said. On the night of the shooting, around 11:30pm, Meena came on a motorcycle and allegedly opened fire on the guardroom of the IRS officer’s residence, causing glass to shatter. He also fired a round at the main gate before making his escape, police said. Authorities confirmed that efforts were underway to recover the firearm and motorcycle used in the incident as part of the remand process. Police emphasised the issue of revenge that drove Meena to commit such a violent act, reflecting the desperation stemming from his past choices and the fallout with the former employer.
