India

Apple executive shot dead by UP police in Lucknow, probe ordered

Vivek Tiwari. Image Courtesy: Indian Express

A 38-year-old Apple executive, identified as Vivek Tiwari was allegedly shot dead by two Uttar Pradesh policemen after he refused to stop his car at a checkpoint in Gomti Nagar area of Lucknow in the wee hours of Saturday.

Two police constables, identified as Prashant Chowdhary and Sundeep, have been arrested, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Lucknow Kalanidhi Naithani said. He added that a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by a superintendent of police-rank officer, will be formed to investigate the case.

Constable Prashant, however, said he opened fire at the deceased in self-defence.

According to the police, the incident took place at around 01:30 am when Vivek was travelling in his car along with his colleague, Sana Khan. Sana told police their car was stationed at Gomti Nagar extension area when they saw two police constables approaching. In a bid to avoid them, the duo tried to escape.

Sana added that she suddenly heard a gunshot, following which the car rammed into a wall. She saw Vivek bleeding profusely and rushed him to the hospital with the help of locals. Vivek was declared brought dead by a doctor.

Following Sana’s complaint, a case of murder was lodged against the two cops.

n his defence, constable Prashant said he opened fire after police spotted a suspicious car with its headlights turned off. “After parking our motorcycle in front of the car, we went close to it. The car immediately started and hit our motorcycle,” he said.

Prashant added, “I waved at the driver to stop but he reversed the car and hit our motorcycle again. When the driver hit the motorcycle for the third time, I pulled out the pistol to scare him. I had to shoot in self-defence.”

SSP Naithani said a letter has been sent to the District Magistrate, requesting for a magisterial inquiry into the matter.

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