12-year-old dies of gunshot at birthday party; family alleges foul play

 

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By Sumesh Rajan | March 3, 2026

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA: A 12-year-old boy died after sustaining a gunshot wound during a birthday party in Lucknow on Monday March 2 evening, with police suspecting an accidental firing while the family has alleged foul play and a cover-up attempt.

The incident occurred around 7 pm at a residence in LDA Colony, Barigawan, under the Krishna Nagar police station limits. The victim, identified as Unaiz Khan, a Class 7 student, had gone to attend a friend’s 13th birthday celebration.

According to police officials, preliminary investigation suggests that a revolver kept inside the house was allegedly accessed by minors present at the gathering. “Out of curiosity, the children reportedly began handling the weapon, and it went off accidentally, injuring the boy,” said ACP (Krishna Nagar) Rajneesh Verma.

Unaiz was immediately rushed to Lok Bandhu Hospital by the house owner, where doctors declared him dead.

DCP (South) Nipun Agarwal said the victim’s family has lodged a complaint alleging intentional firing. Based on the complaint, a case under Section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is being registered. However, police officials indicated that initial findings point towards accidental discharge.

Three minors present at the party have been taken into custody for questioning to ascertain the exact sequence of events. Investigators are also probing how the firearm was kept accessible and whether there was negligence on the part of the homeowner.

The victim’s father, Zamir Khan, who runs an electrical shop, alleged that his son was lured out of their house by friends around 3:30 pm on the pretext of attending a birthday party.

“Later, we were told that he had met with a road accident. When we reached Lok Bandhu Hospital, we were informed that he had died. He was shot in the head. They tried to cover up the incident,” Khan told reporters.

In the police complaint, the family has also named the deceased’s friend and his father, alleging threats and demanding strict action.

The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further legal proceedings are underway. Police said all possible angles, including accidental firing and deliberate act, are being thoroughly investigated.