A 40-year-old software engineer was arrested after allegedly opening fire with an air gun from the balcony of his apartment in Anekal taluk, Bengaluru, in the early hours of Thursday. The incident reportedly caused damage to several vehicles parked in the residential complex and allegedly involved the accused firing pellets in the direction of security guards who approached to investigate the disturbance.

Police said no one was injured in the incident, despite the firing continuing for nearly 45 minutes and pellets hitting parked vehicles. The accused has been identified as Anurag Tiwari, a native of Lucknow who works for a private information technology company in Whitefield.

Tiwari had reportedly been staying at Sipani Apartments near Bandapura for around eight months. According to the preliminary police investigation, he had consumed alcohol on Wednesday night and was allegedly heard shouting while speaking on the phone inside his apartment before the incident occurred.

Firing from apartment balcony

The incident reportedly began at around 2.30 am when Tiwari allegedly stepped onto the balcony of his third-floor apartment and started firing pellets from an air gun towards the parking area below.

Residents initially struggled to determine where the sounds were coming from. As the firing continued, people in the residential complex became alarmed and contacted the police control room.

Security guards at the apartment complex reportedly went towards the parking area to find out what was happening. Police said the guards were allegedly also targeted during the incident.

The firing continued for approximately 45 minutes, according to the preliminary account. Several vehicles parked in the residential area were damaged after pellets struck and shattered their window glass.

Residents report vehicle damage

One of the residents, identified as Vidyut, reported damage to his vehicle and said there had been no previous dispute between residents and the accused.

According to the resident’s account, the firing began around 2.30 am and continued repeatedly from the accused’s balcony. He said security personnel were also allegedly targeted but fortunately nobody suffered injuries.

The resident subsequently approached the police and lodged a formal complaint regarding the incident.

Police reach apartment and arrest accused

Following the complaint, officers from the Surya Nagar police station reached the residential complex and took Tiwari into custody.

Police Inspector M Chandrappa said officers secured the scene and began collecting evidence shortly after receiving information about the firing. Investigators recovered multiple air gun pellets from the parking area and from around the damaged vehicles.

The air gun allegedly used in the incident was also seized and sent for examination. Scene-of-crime personnel collected other forensic material as part of the investigation.

Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the weapon was obtained and whether it was legally possessed by the accused.

Investigation into air gun possession

Investigators are also examining whether possession or use of the air gun violated applicable regulations. Police said they are checking whether the accused had the required legal authority to possess the weapon and whether additional offences may apply under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and rules governing air weapons.

The forensic examination of the seized weapon and pellets is expected to form part of the investigation into the incident.

Police are also working to establish the exact sequence of events leading up to the firing and determine the circumstances under which the accused allegedly began shooting towards the parking area.

No injuries reported

Although the incident created panic among residents and resulted in damage to vehicles, police said there were no reported injuries.

The fact that the firing allegedly continued for an extended period and that security guards were reportedly targeted has prompted investigators to examine the incident in detail. Statements from residents, security personnel and others present at the apartment complex are expected to assist the investigation.

The case has been registered and further investigation is underway. Police are continuing to examine the available forensic evidence, the seized air gun and the circumstances surrounding the accused’s actions.