Domestic Violence – Woman Critically Injured in Alleged Shooting in Loha
Domestic Violence – A woman was seriously injured after her husband allegedly fired at her during a domestic dispute in Loha town of Maharashtra’s Nanded district late Monday night. The incident occurred in Teacher Colony, where residents were alarmed by gunshots and cries for help from the house.
Dispute allegedly escalated into firing
Police identified the accused as Vishal Jadhav and the injured woman as his wife, Archana Jadhav. According to preliminary findings, the couple had reportedly been facing repeated disagreements in recent days.
Investigators said the argument escalated late at night, following which Vishal allegedly took out an unlicensed country-made pistol that had been kept inside the house. He is accused of firing three rounds at Archana before leaving the spot.
One bullet is believed to have grazed her ear, while another struck her in the back. Archana collapsed after suffering severe injuries, police said. The exact sequence of events and the number of shots that hit or missed the victim are being examined as part of the investigation.
Neighbours responded after hearing gunshots
People living nearby said they heard gunfire and rushed towards the house after hearing Archana call for assistance. By the time they reached the residence, the accused had reportedly fled.
Neighbours arranged immediate medical help and shifted the injured woman to a hospital in Nanded. She remains under treatment, and doctors are working to remove the bullet lodged in her back. Her condition was described as critical.
The incident caused concern among residents of Teacher Colony, a residential area in Loha. Several locals said the shooting had left the neighbourhood unsettled, particularly because it allegedly involved an illegal weapon inside a home.
Police collect evidence from the house
After receiving information about the shooting, a police team from Loha police station reached the location. Senior officials also visited the house as investigators began collecting evidence.
Forensic experts and fingerprint personnel were called to inspect the scene during the night. Police recovered spent cartridges and other materials that may help establish how the weapon was used and whether it was handled by anyone else.
Officials are also checking the source of the country-made pistol and trying to determine how long it had been in the accused’s possession. The weapon has not yet been recovered, according to the initial police account.
Search underway for absconding accused
Police have launched a search operation to trace Vishal Jadhav, who remains absconding after the alleged attack. Teams are checking possible locations and gathering information from relatives, acquaintances and local contacts.
During the inquiry, police found that the accused had previously faced criminal allegations. Investigators said he was linked to a highway petrol pump robbery reported in Nanded district in May 2025 and had later been released on bail.
Authorities are examining whether any bail conditions were violated and whether there were earlier complaints related to the couple’s disputes. A case involving attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and other relevant offences is expected to proceed based on the evidence collected.
Investigation focuses on weapon and domestic dispute
The case has drawn attention to the risks posed by illegal firearms and violence within households. Police said their immediate priority is to locate the accused, recover the weapon and record statements from witnesses.
Investigators will also rely on forensic findings and medical reports to establish the full circumstances of the incident. Further legal action will depend on the victim’s statement when her medical condition permits, along with evidence gathered from the residence.