Retired IAF Officer Critically Injured in Lucknow Restaurant Shooting
A retired Indian Air Force officer was left fighting for his life after being shot by unidentified assailants at his restaurant in the Sushant Golf City area of Lucknow on Friday night, according to police officials. The shocking incident has sent waves of concern through the local community and prompted an intensive police investigation.
Violent Attack at Shopping Square-2 Complex
The violent episode unfolded around 10:30 pm at the 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, a 60-year-old resident of Sant Kabir Nagar who was sitting inside his restaurant with his wife Mithlesh when the attack occurred.
According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary police reports, two armed men entered the restaurant premises and opened fire without warning. The first bullet struck Pathak just above his right cheek, causing him to collapse immediately at the spot. The assailants fled the scene immediately after the firing, creating widespread panic among restaurant patrons and local residents.
Immediate Response and Medical Treatment
Local residents, working in coordination with police personnel who arrived at the scene, rushed the critically injured former officer to a private hospital for emergency medical attention. Bloodstains were found scattered throughout the restaurant area when authorities reached the location following the distress call.
Medical professionals at the hospital have confirmed that Pathak is currently undergoing intensive treatment. While doctors have described his condition as stable, they have emphasized that he remains in critical condition and is battling for his life following the traumatic incident.
Police Investigation and Forensic Examination
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Vasanth Kumar confirmed that specialized police teams were deployed immediately after the shooting was reported. Station House Officer Rajiv Ranjan Upadhyay provided details about the ongoing investigation, stating that forensic experts are conducting a thorough examination of the crime scene.
The investigation includes:
- Scanning nearby CCTV footage to identify the attackers
- Collecting forensic evidence from the restaurant premises
- Interviewing eyewitnesses and local residents
- Examining all possible motives behind the attack
Multiple Investigation Angles Being Explored
The victim's wife, Mithlesh Pathak, has formally lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified persons, leading to the registration of a formal case and initiation of a comprehensive investigation. Police authorities have indicated they are examining multiple potential angles that could explain the motive behind this violent attack.
Investigators are particularly focusing on:
- Personal enmity that might have prompted the attack
- Business rivalry related to the restaurant operation
- Other possible motives that might emerge during the investigation
Additional Details and Family Response
Police have revealed that the former IAF officer and his wife operated a food outlet at the location. Preliminary reports indicate that two men on a motorcycle were spotted fleeing under suspicious circumstances near the crime scene, though their identities remain unknown.
The victim's family members are mobilizing in response to the crisis. Relatives of the retired officer are traveling from Kolhapur to be with him, while his son is making arrangements to return from abroad to support his critically injured father during this difficult time.
Authorities have assured the public that they are pursuing all available leads and evidence to identify and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this brazen attack on a retired defense personnel in the heart of Lucknow.
