Lucknow: Retired Indian Air Force Officer Shot at His Restaurant, Condition Critical
Lucknow: A retired Indian Air Force (IAF) officer was critically injured after being shot by unidentified assailants at his restaurant in the Sushant Golf City area of Lucknow on Friday night, police officials said. The incident has triggered panic among local residents and raised serious concerns over safety in the upscale locality.
The shooting took place around 10:30 pm at Shopping Square-2 complex, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Sushant Golf City police station. The victim has been identified as Awadhesh Kumar Pathak (60), a resident of Sant Kabir Nagar, who runs a food outlet in the area along with his wife.
Attack Inside Restaurant
According to police, Awadhesh Kumar Pathak was sitting inside his restaurant along with his wife, Mithlesh, when two armed men entered the premises and suddenly opened fire. The unexpected attack left customers and staff in shock.
The first bullet reportedly struck Pathak on his shoulder, causing him to collapse on the spot. Another bullet later hit him just above the right cheek, critically injuring him. After firing, the assailants fled the scene immediately, creating chaos and panic in the busy commercial complex.
Witnesses said the attackers escaped swiftly, leaving behind bloodstains at the spot. Some locals claimed that the suspects were later seen fleeing the area on a motorcycle, though police have not officially confirmed their identities yet.
Victim Rushed to Hospital
Following the incident, local residents, with assistance from the police, rushed the injured former Air Force officer to a private hospital in the city. Doctors attending him said he is undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit.
While medical staff have stated that his condition is currently stable, police sources said Pathak is still battling for life due to the severity of his injuries. His family members are said to be extremely distressed by the incident.
Relatives of the retired officer are on their way to Lucknow from Kolhapur, while his son is expected to arrive from abroad.
Police Launch Investigation
Senior police officials reached the spot soon after receiving information about the firing. The crime scene was cordoned off, and forensic teams were deployed to collect evidence.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), Vasanth Kumar, said that multiple police teams were formed immediately after the shooting to track down the assailants.
“We are examining CCTV footage from the area and surrounding roads. Several teams are working on different leads, and the accused will be arrested soon,” Kumar said.
Station House Officer Rajiv Ranjan Upadhyay confirmed that a forensic examination of the crime scene is underway and nearby CCTV cameras are being scanned to identify the attackers and trace their escape route.
FIR Registered, All Angles Under Probe
The victim’s wife, Mithlesh, has lodged a complaint against unidentified persons. Based on her statement, police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and initiated a detailed investigation.
Officials said all possible angles are being examined, including personal enmity, business rivalry, and any past disputes linked to the victim or his restaurant.
“The investigation is ongoing. At this stage, we are not ruling out any possibility,” a senior police officer said.
Security Concerns Raised
The shooting has raised serious concerns about law and order in the Sushant Golf City area, which is considered one of Lucknow’s well-developed residential and commercial zones.
Local residents and shop owners expressed fear following the incident, stating that such violent crimes in public places are alarming. Some residents demanded increased police patrolling, especially during late hours.
Opposition leaders also criticized the incident, calling for stricter action against criminal elements and improved security measures in the city.
Conclusion
The shocking attack on a retired Indian Air Force officer inside his own restaurant has sent shockwaves across Lucknow. As police intensify their investigation and hunt for the suspects, the incident has once again highlighted concerns over public safety in the city.
Authorities have assured swift action and urged citizens to remain calm while cooperating with the investigation. Further developments are awaited as police continue to probe the case.
