12-year-old fasting boy shot dead in Lucknow; police call it accidental, family alleges murder

Lucknow: A 12-year-old boy died after being shot at a house in Lucknow, with police describing the incident as an “accidental fire” even as the family alleged it was a case of murder. The boy was fasting. The minor allegedly used a revolver to shoot Unaiz. The revolver was registered under the accused’s father.

Six people inquired, including the boy’s parents and their driver. Unaiz was reportedly picked up from his residence by his friends in a car driven by the minor accused’s driver, a family member told reporters.

The victim Unaiz, had gone to attend the birthday celebration of his friend Navneet when the incident took place. According to the family, he was shot inside the house by Sanjeev Tripathi, the friend’s father.

Police, however, said preliminary findings suggest the firing was accidental. Officials in a press conference said that the circumstances leading to the discharge of the weapon are being examined.

The family has rejected the accidental firing claim and formally accused Tripathi of intentionally killing their son. They alleged that a disagreement between the children nearly a year ago may have led to lingering tension that culminated in the shooting.

An investigation is underway, and authorities said appropriate legal action will follow based on the findings.

Speaking to reporters, Unaiz’s grief-stricken relatives alleged that he was deliberately shot at close range, claiming the attack was linked to an earlier disagreement between the two children.

Recalling the day of the incident, his father said Unaiz had been fasting and had initially advised him not to attend the birthday gathering. “I told him not to go, but he insisted, saying his friend would feel upset if he didn’t,” the father said. “His friends came to take him to the party. He told me they had never fought,” he added, breaking down.

“Mujhe kya pata tha ki uske mardenge (How would I have known they would kill him),” he said.

Unaiz’s aunt, whom he fondly called “badi ammi,” said the family came to know about the incident only after he had been taken to a nearby hospital.