Retired IAF Officer Critically Injured in Lucknow Restaurant Shooting
In a shocking incident in Lucknow, a retired officer of the Indian Air Force was critically injured after unidentified assailants fired gunshots at him at his own restaurant. The attack occurred on Friday night in the Sushant Golf City area, prompting a swift police response and investigation into possible motives including personal enmity and business rivalry.
Details of the Attack
The incident took place around 10:30 pm at the Shopping Square-2 complex under the jurisdiction of the Sushant Golf City police station. According to police reports, Awadhesh Kumar Pathak (60), a native of Sant Kabir Nagar, was sitting in his restaurant along with his wife, Mithlesh, when two armed men entered the premises and opened fire.
The first bullet struck Pathak on his shoulder, causing him to collapse immediately on the spot. The assailants fled the scene after firing, with witnesses reporting two men escaping on a motorcycle near the crime location. Police arrived promptly after receiving information and, with the assistance of local residents, rushed the injured officer to a private hospital for urgent medical attention.
Police Investigation and Response
Doctors at the hospital have stated that Pathak's condition is currently stable, but he remains under treatment for his critical injuries. Additional DCP (South) Vasanth Kumar confirmed that police teams have been deployed to apprehend the culprits, emphasizing that all possible angles are being thoroughly examined.
"We are looking into various aspects, including personal enmity and business rivalry, to determine the motive behind this attack," said Kumar. SHO Rajiv Ranjan Upadhyay added that forensic examination of the crime scene is underway, and nearby CCTV footage is being scanned to identify the attackers.
Legal and Family Developments
The victim's wife, Mithlesh, has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified persons in connection with the shooting. Meanwhile, family members are rallying around Pathak during this difficult time. Police noted that his son is returning from abroad, while other relatives are arriving from Kolhapur to be with him.
This incident has raised concerns about safety in the area, with authorities urging the public to remain vigilant as the investigation continues to unfold.
