It occurred in Meerut when two sepoys stole a superior officer's rifle. It began when the Rani of Jhansi declared war on the British. It began when Mangal Pandey fired at a European officer in Meerut. It began when Mangal Pandey fired at a European officer in Barrackpore. Select the correct answer using the code given below : Statement 1 is incorrect. While the Meerut mutiny of May 10, 1857, was triggered by the greased cartridges issue and the imprisonment of sepoys, the description of two sepoys stealing a rifle is not accurate as the "first act" of the revolt. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Rani of Jhansi, Lakshmibai, joined the revolt much later in response to events in her state, not as the initiator of the entire revolt. Statement 3 is incorrect. Mangal Pandey did fire at European officers, but this incident occurred at Barrackpore, not Meerut. Statement 4 is correct. Mangal Pandey, a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry at Barrackpore, mutinied on March 29, 1857, firing at his Sergeant-Major and Adjutant. This act of open rebellion by an individual sepoy against his superiors is widely considered the initial spark or the "first act" of defiance that foreshadowed the larger revolt.