Civil Society Members Hold Protest March Demanding Justice for 12-Year-Old Unaiz Khan's Killing in Lucknow

Lucknow- In a show of solidarity and outrage, members of civil society and community activists took to the streets in Lucknow, organizing a march to demand swift and transparent justice for the tragic death of 12-year-old Unaiz Khan. The young boy was fatally shot in the head at point-blank range during a friend's birthday party in the Krishna Nagar area on March 2. Protesters chanted slogans calling for accountability, an impartial investigation, and strict action against those responsible, amid growing allegations of foul play and concerns over unequal application of law.

The incident occurred when Unaiz, a Class 7 student from Behsa village in Sarojini Nagar, went to attend the birthday celebration of his classmate Navneet at the residence of Navneet's father, Sanjeev Tripathi, a contractor, in the Balaji Complex or LDA Colony, Barigawan area. Unaiz, who was observing a fast during Ramadan, left home around 3:30 pm after being picked up by friends despite his father's initial reluctance. Around 7 pm, he suffered a gunshot wound to the forehead and was rushed to Lokbandhu Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Police have described the shooting as an "accidental firing," stating that minors, including the birthday boy Navneet, were mishandling a licensed revolver, possibly taken from a parked car, when it discharged. Authorities detained three minors present at the party for questioning and registered an FIR at Krishna Nagar police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including murder (103(1)), criminal intimidation, and common intention, based on a complaint by Unaiz's father, Zamir Khan. The FIR names six individuals, including Sanjeev Tripathi and three minors.

However, Unaiz's family has strongly disputed the accidental narrative, accusing the Tripathis of deliberate murder and alleging that the boy was lured to the party. They claim the point-blank shot to the middle of the forehead indicates intent, possibly linked to a prior school dispute, and have expressed frustration over the police's quick labeling of the incident as accidental. Reports have also surfaced suggesting political connections, with Sanjeev Tripathi allegedly being related to Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak as a brother-in-law, fueling demands for a fair probe free from influence.

The victim's grieving father has publicly confronted authorities, stating in viral videos that if the situation were reversed, harsher measures like bulldozers and immediate arrests would have followed. He said, “If what happened to my child had happened to their child, there would have been police, flags, bulldozers, and my house would have been demolished. But, so much time has passed, no action has been taken.”

The tragedy has sparked widespread shock, with neighbors, community members, and online voices highlighting concerns over firearm accessibility around children, child safety, and potential bias in investigations. As of now, forensic examination is underway, the seized firearm is under scrutiny, and the police investigation continues. The civil society march highlights mounting public pressure for truth and justice in the case, with calls growing for independent oversight to ensure no cover-up occurs. The incident has reignited debates on gun safety and accountability in Uttar Pradesh, leaving Unaiz's family and the community devastated as they await conclusive answers.