However, the kin of the deceased, identified as Rahul Banjara (17), alleged the shooting was a fallout of the rivalry between two organisations pitted against each other in local college elections.
However, police have dismissed their claims and have arrested Naveen Tiwari, a Patwari (Revenue official) in connection with the firing.
"Around 11 pm, a bullet from the country-made pistol of Naveen Tiwari got discharged suddenly and hit Banjara who was standing nearby," said Neemuch Superintendent of Police Tusharkant Vidyarthi.
"Naveen Tiwari runs a students' organisation named 'Hindu Chhatra Sangh' despite being a government employee. Tiwari has fielded students during ongoing student union elections in colleges. He was in possession of illegal arm and killed Rahul Banjara," claimed community leader Devi Singh Gaud.
Vidyarthi said Tiwari has been booked under section 302 (punishment for murder) of the IPC.
"Tiwari was arrested and the gun has been recovered. However, there is no link between the killing and the college elections," the SP said, adding further investigation is on.