Road rage escalates to gunfire, retired Brigadier loses life in Dehradun

A 74-year-old retired Army brigadier, Mukesh Joshi , was tragically killed after being caught in crossfire during a road rage incident in Dehradun on Monday morning, police said.

The incident occurred in Johri village on Mussoorie Road , where an argument broke out between occupants of a Delhi-registered Toyota Fortuner and a Mahindra Scorpio N over giving way on the narrow stretch of road. According to police officials, the altercation quickly escalated into a violent chase.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the occupants of the Scorpio pursued the Fortuner and allegedly opened fire, reportedly targeting the vehicle’s tyres in an attempt to force it to stop. During this exchange, multiple shots were fired , leading to what police have described as a crossfire-like situation on a public road.

Amid the chaos, a stray bullet struck Brigadier Joshi , who was out on his routine morning walk nearby. He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment .

Police said that after one of the bullets hit the Fortuner’s tire, the driver lost control and the vehicle crashed into a roadside tree near a government primary school . The attackers then allegedly assaulted the occupants of the Fortuner and vandalised the vehicle before fleeing the scene. Two passengers in the Fortuner sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment.

Senior police officials, including Dehradun SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal , visited the site and the hospital to assess the situation. A massive manhunt has been launched, with roadblocks set up across the district and CCTV footage from the area being examined to identify and apprehend the accused.

Regarding the use of firearms, police said it is not yet clear whether the accused possessed valid gun licences , and this aspect is being thoroughly investigated. Authorities are working to determine the source of the weapons and the legality of their possession .

Officials stressed that the term “crossfire” in this case refers to indiscriminate firing by the accused during the chase , rather than a confirmed exchange of gunfire from both sides. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.