Gun crime graph shoots in Lucknow; 16 cases in 2019

LUCKNOW: Shooting incidents in the city have registered a sharp rise this year, with 16 being reported in the first five months in comparison to 18 in the whole of 2018. In 2017, the number of gun crimes was also a moderate 32.

Police have been able to solve only six of the 16 incidents in 2019 so far, scripting a success rate of only 40%. In 2018, they had solved 16 cases and in 2017, as many as 28 cases. A police dossier also reveals that in 2019, seven shooting incidents took place because of money dispute. In contrast, personal enmity had triggered 11 gun crimes in 2018. In 2017, illicit affairs were behind 17 shootings.
The maximum number of shootings this year has been reported from Old City, including four in Thakurganj alone and one in Naka. Alambagh witnessed three while one each was reported from Madiaon, Gudamba, Vibhuti Khand, Hassanganj, Gomtinagar, Sarojininagar and Chinhat. One was also reported from rural Maal.
Tent house owner Chhote Lal (28) was murdered over a money dispute with his former boss and jailed don Aquil Ansari.
Similarly, traders in Alambagh and Sarojininagar were shot at and injured over money while another was killed in Gomtinagar for the same reason.
Lucknow SSP Kalanidhi Naithani said of the 16 cases, 10 had taken place in urban areas. Asked why gun crimes were witnessing a sharp rise, he said in 11 cases, the assailants were acquaintances of the victims.
“There has been no role of any gang or syndicate in the city. Such cases cannot be weeded out completely. But yes, our response towards such crimes needs to be quick and stringent,” he added.