After two days of continuous deliberation, the Agra police has finally filed a criminal case against 80 activists of VHP and Bajrang Dal for firing bullets indiscriminately near the Amar Singh Gate of Agra Fort, endangering the lives of hundreds of people.

In an brazen display of callousness and lack of respect for law, 100-150 Hindu activists had assembled at the Ramlila grounds on Dussehra, just across the road from the Agra Fort - a popular tourist attraction. The assembly was in clear contravention of Section 144 CrPC, which forbids the assembly of more than 5 people at one place. Almost all the activists were carrying firearms ranging from revolvers to shotguns and rifles, purportedly for a 'Shastra Poojan' program to be held in the grounds.

After the pooja, a large crowd of participants, identifiable from the saffron scarves, started firing indiscriminately in the air creating panic among the tourists assembled, who feared it was a terrorist attack. Most of them rushed inside the fort seeking safety, while those who were inside, were seen rushing through the narrow gate, almost resulting in a stampede.

The matter was immediately brought to the notice of police, but none of the accused men were apprehended. It was only after the matter was highlighted by a local news portal and the video of the firing went viral on social media, that the police came into action and assured proper inquiry.

Talking to India Today, Agra SSP Amit Pathak said, an FIR under sections 307 IPC has been registered against 29 activists who were identified from the video footage, while 40-50 activists are still unidentified. Apart from attempted murder charges, there are 10 other charges registered in the FIR including sections 143, 144, 149, 188, 295, 298, 505(3), 153A and 153AA. A report into this entire incident has been sent to the state government.

Suresh Chand, a street vendor in front of Agra Fort told India Today, "Long weekend of Dussehra had resulted in a huge number of tourists coming to Agra. When the firing started, the tourists panicked and started running helter-skelter. It almost caused a stampede and the young and elderly were in danger of being crushed had the firing continued even for a minute more.

Interestingly, most of the activists who have been named in the FIR, are already facing several criminal charges, but they are still holding licensed weapons and were carrying them openly, especially at a time when section 144 CrPC is effective in the district.

A senior police official told India Today that a similar incident had taken place in Fatehpur Sikri and Sadar police stations and a few of these activists were involved in arson and damage caused to the police stations, apart from thrashing several policemen. But, the BJP MLAs of Agra had come in their defence and no case was initiated against them.

However, the Agra Fort is a sensitive zone as the Ramlila Ground falls within the Cantonment area of India Army, so this time it may not be easy for the VHP and Bajrand Dal members to avoid charges.

Social activist Rajkumar Nagrath said, that the real test of the police will be in arresting these hooligans. Politics will begin on the issue since all the accused belong to hardline Hindu outfits. Nagrath stated, lack of law and order in the state could become a major issue during the national convention of Samajwadi Party, to be held on October 5, in the city.

WATCH: Police book 80 VHP-Bajrang Dal activists for indiscriminate firing