Liquor shop job, NEET pressure, then bloodshed: Why Lucknow teen shot bizman father; dark secrets spill out

LUCKNOW: A teenager allegedly shot dead his 49-year-old father, a pathology lab owner, at their Aashiana residence in the early hours of February 20, dismembered the body and attempted to dispose of the remains in parts, police said on Monday.

The accused, Akshat, was intercepted by a police patrol while allegedly trying to get rid of the remaining torso. After sustained questioning, he confessed to the crime, officers said.

How the killing unfolded

According to police, the incident occurred around 4.30am after a heated argument between father and son, allegedly over pressure to clear the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

In a fit of rage, Akshat allegedly picked up his father’s licensed rifle and fired at him inside a third-floor room of their house. Investigators said a ricochet bullet was later recovered from the room, indicating the shot was fired at close range.

The rifle and bullet have been sent for forensic examination.

Police said the accused’s sister, a Class XI student, was present at home at the time. He allegedly threatened her and warned her not to disclose the incident.

Body dragged downstairs, cut up and concealed

After the shooting, the teenager allegedly dragged the body from the third floor to the ground floor. There, police said, he dismembered it in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence and make disposal easier.

Some of the body parts were packed into his car. He then drove to Sadrauna, a relatively isolated area on the outskirts, where he dumped several parts, including the head, which is yet to be recovered.

The remaining torso was stuffed into a blue plastic drum and kept hidden inside a room in the house. Police said he intended to dispose of it later.

Missing complaint filed to mislead police

In a bid to avert suspicion, Akshat himself lodged a missing person complaint, claiming that his father had gone missing on February 20.

However, on Monday evening, while allegedly attempting to transport and dispose of the remaining torso, he was stopped by a police patrol for suspicious activity.

“He was in the process of getting rid of the body part when we intervened. His inconsistent statements raised red flags. Strict interrogation led to his confession,” said DCP (Central Zone) Vikrant Vir.

Police subsequently raided the house with the accused in custody and recovered the drum containing the mutilated remains. Forensic teams have examined bloodstains in the house and the car, and search operations are underway in Sadrauna to recover the missing body parts.

'Given monthly salary of Rs 17,000'

Police said the victim was originally from Jalaun district. His wife died nine years ago. The family comprises a daughter studying in Class XI and another son serving in Uttar Pradesh Police, posted at the secretariat. The victim’s father is a retired policeman.

Investigators said Akshat was managing a liquor store run by his father and was paid Rs 17,000 a month, but was reportedly unhappy. He had scored well in Class XII, and his father allegedly wanted him to crack NEET and pursue a medical career.

Police said further investigation is underway to reconstruct the full sequence of events and establish the exact motive.