Lucknow/ Gorakhpur: A 38-year-old man was shot dead early Saturday morning by a policeman when he allegedly refused to stop his car for checking in Lucknow's posh Gomti Nagar neighbourhood, police said. Two constables were arrested on the basis of an FIR lodged by Apple executive Vivek Tiwari's colleague Sana Khan, who was travelling with him. Tiwari is survived by his wife and two children.
The victim's wife Kalpana Tiwari has written to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, demanding a CBI inquiry into the incident, Rs 1 crore compensation and a job with the state police department, reported ANI. Adityanath said that a CBI inquiry will be recommended if needed. Hours after the 1.30 am shooting, UP DGP O P Singh called it a criminal act and said the two constables will be dismissed from service.
SSP Kalanidhi Naithani claimed that the policemen on patrol duty had asked Tiwari to stop the SUV, which had hit their motorcycle and injured them. Constable Prashant Chaudhary noticed "suspicious activity" and opened fire when the man allegedly tried to speed away. A bullet pierced the windscreen as the car rammed into a pillar, police said. The autopsy report later confirmed the death was caused by gunshot injuries.
A special investigation team has been formed to investigate the shooting. A magisterial inquiry has also been ordered, officials said.
ADGP (Law & Order) Anand Kumar said that the incident was unfortunate. "Prima facie it is a murder case, he added. The principle of law is clear that the right of self-defence cannot exceed the perceived threat," the ADG said.