Ex-Navy officer killed 4 in UP over parking tiff, then threatened others with gun

Days after a former Merchant Navy officer opened fire and killed three members of a family in Lucknow's Saadatganj, an eyewitness has recounted how a dispute over a parking space and a platform turned into a shooting spree.Jitendra Kashyap, who was present during the confrontation, said Rishabh Shukla opened fire after freeing himself from the grip of the three men who tried to disarm him. He also fired at Jitendra when he attempted to intervene.The incident took place on Monday morning in the Naubasta area. According to Jitendra, work on a platform had begun when an argument broke out after Rishabh was asked to move his car. Rishabh started abusing those present, drawing several neighbours out of their houses.People from both sides began recording videos as the argument escalated. Jitendra said Rishabh was already carrying a firearm when the confrontation began. His father, Rajesh Shukla, was also aware that he had a gun, he said. The dispute soon turned violent when Rishabh pulled out his pistol. Shivaji Tiwari, his brother Shambhu and Shivaji's son Suyash tried to overpower him. Other residents also rushed forward to intervene.Jitendra said Rajesh hit Suyash on the head with a stick during the struggle. The blow weakened Suyash's grip, allowing Rishabh to break free. He then opened fire, first hitting Shivaji and then shooting Shambhu and Suyash. When Jitendra tried to stop him, Rishabh fired two rounds in his direction. Jitendra escaped narrowly, with a bullet passing between his legs, and ran away from the spot.ACCUSED SAT OUTSIDE HOUSE WITH PISTOL AFTER SHOOTINGThe firing did not end the panic in the neighbourhood. Jitendra said Rishabh sat outside his house with a pistol in one hand and a magazine in the other, near the victims. He kept watch on the residents, preventing them from approaching the injured.People were afraid that he would shoot anyone who tried to help. After sitting outside for some time, Rishabh went inside his house, Jitendra said.DISPUTE OVER PLATFORM HAD COME UP EARLIERThe confrontation was preceded by a disagreement over construction work in the area. Ward councillor Anoop Kumar Saxena said road construction had taken place in the locality last month, leaving some material behind.Shivaji had approached him to get a platform constructed. The councillor visited the spot and learnt that there was a dispute between the two families. He advised them to resolve the matter through a compromise.At a meeting on September 21, both sides agreed to maintain the status quo, Saxena said. However, the disagreement resurfaced on Monday and ended in the shooting.NEIGHBOURS RECALL CHANGES IN ACCUSED'S BEHAVIOURResidents also spoke about Rishabh's behaviour in the neighbourhood. His uncle, Rajesh Shukla, had criminal cases against him and had been externed for six months. He returned to the area a few days before the shooting after the period of externment ended.Locals said Rishabh had become increasingly abusive and often threatened people passing by. Some residents also spoke of taunts directed at him over his unmarried status. However, the police have not officially established a motive for the killings.Suyash's friends, Brijesh and Sagar Gaur, remembered him as a quiet and friendly person who took part in religious events and helped people in the neighbourhood. His wedding had been fixed for December 5.HEAVY POLICE DEPLOYMENT IN AREAPolice Commissioner Tarun Gaba, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) and DCP West Jitendra Srivastava reached the spot after the incident. The bodies were sent for post-mortem examination, and a heavy police presence was maintained in the area.The DCP also visited Rishabh's house, where garbage was found scattered inside. The family of the victims has demanded the death penalty for the accused and action against his house, including its demolition.- EndsWith inputs from Ankit Mishra