A 30-year-old woman from Gujarat is in critical condition in the United States after a gunshot injury at a convenience store in Bossier City. Police have arrested her husband in connection with the incident, which they have described as an accidental firing according to a report by Times of India.
The woman, identified as Jigisha alias Soniya Gajera, sustained severe facial injuries when a firearm discharged at close range on April 4 inside Mezo Grocery and Deli. According to investigators, the weapon was in the possession of her husband, Sharad Gajera, when it went off, sending a bullet through her mouth and out of her jaw.
Sharad Gajera was arrested on April 21 on charges of illegal use of a weapon after he surrendered to authorities following a warrant. As reported by TOI, police said the couple was in discussions with store owner Vince Mezo over a possible purchase of the outlet at the time of the incident.
Eyewitnesses told local media that the couple was speaking with the store owner when a sudden gunshot was heard. Some witnesses questioned the claim that the firing was accidental, raising concerns about carrying a loaded firearm in a public commercial space.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Doctors treating Soniya Gajera said her condition remains critical. The injury has caused extensive damage to her jaw, teeth and lower lip, leaving her unable to eat normally. She is currently on assisted breathing and artificial nutrition.
Her family said doctors have indicated that recovery will be long and complex. She will require multiple procedures, including jaw reconstruction, facial reconstruction and dental implants. They added that a full recovery remains uncertain.
Authorities have not shared details about the couple’s immigration status.
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to support her medical treatment, with a target of $200,000 (approximately Rs 1.9 crore), as quoted by TOI. The appeal states that she had recently moved to the United States to build a better future and aspired to become a cosmetologist while working part-time.
The campaign states her personal challenges, including the loss of her younger brother and her role as a caregiver to her father during his illness. “She aspired to become a cosmetologist while working part-time,” the appeal states.
As of April 24, the fundraiser has raised $9,135 (around Rs 8.6 lakh) through 51 donations, a small portion of the total amount required.
(With TOI inputs)
The woman, identified as Jigisha alias Soniya Gajera, sustained severe facial injuries when a firearm discharged at close range on April 4 inside Mezo Grocery and Deli. According to investigators, the weapon was in the possession of her husband, Sharad Gajera, when it went off, sending a bullet through her mouth and out of her jaw.
Sharad Gajera was arrested on April 21 on charges of illegal use of a weapon after he surrendered to authorities following a warrant. As reported by TOI, police said the couple was in discussions with store owner Vince Mezo over a possible purchase of the outlet at the time of the incident.
Eyewitnesses told local media that the couple was speaking with the store owner when a sudden gunshot was heard. Some witnesses questioned the claim that the firing was accidental, raising concerns about carrying a loaded firearm in a public commercial space.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Doctors treating Soniya Gajera said her condition remains critical. The injury has caused extensive damage to her jaw, teeth and lower lip, leaving her unable to eat normally. She is currently on assisted breathing and artificial nutrition.
Her family said doctors have indicated that recovery will be long and complex. She will require multiple procedures, including jaw reconstruction, facial reconstruction and dental implants. They added that a full recovery remains uncertain.
Authorities have not shared details about the couple’s immigration status.
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to support her medical treatment, with a target of $200,000 (approximately Rs 1.9 crore), as quoted by TOI. The appeal states that she had recently moved to the United States to build a better future and aspired to become a cosmetologist while working part-time.
The campaign states her personal challenges, including the loss of her younger brother and her role as a caregiver to her father during his illness. “She aspired to become a cosmetologist while working part-time,” the appeal states.
As of April 24, the fundraiser has raised $9,135 (around Rs 8.6 lakh) through 51 donations, a small portion of the total amount required.
(With TOI inputs)
