Tragic turn at wedding feast: Two cousins killed over food dispute in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh

What began as a night of celebration turned into a heartbreaking tragedy in Amethi, north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, when two teenage cousins lost their lives following a violent altercation at a wedding. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday in Sarai Hriday Shah village, left the local community in shock, Times of India reported.

Ashish (17) and Ravi, also known as Kallu (18), were attending a wedding feast when a dispute reportedly broke out over the serving of tandoori rotis (flatbreads cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven) at a food stall. According to police and eyewitness accounts, the cousins got into a heated argument with Rohit — the groom’s cousin — and a few of his associates shortly after midnight.

What started as a minor disagreement quickly escalated. Witnesses said tempers flared, and verbal threats were exchanged. Around 1am, as Ashish, Ravi, and their friends attempted to leave the venue, they were pursued by a group of men armed with iron rods, hockey sticks, and wooden lathis.

While some of their friends managed to flee, Ashish and Ravi were caught and brutally assaulted. Bystanders rushed the two severely injured teenagers to a local hospital, but their condition was critical. Ravi was declared dead on arrival, while Ashish succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.

The grief-stricken family is still struggling to comprehend the loss. “My son went to attend a wedding. He never came back. The victims were both students, full of life and promise. And all of this because of a few rotis?" he told the Times of India.

Amethi’s Additional Superintendent of Police, Harendra Kumar, confirmed that an FIR has been registered against 13 individuals — eight identified by name and five unnamed — on charges including rioting and murder.

So far, three suspects have been arrested, and a search is ongoing for the others involved.

Authorities have assured swift action and justice for the victims.