Lucknow: Citizens, student groups, and various social organizations gathered today at Parivartan Chowk to demand justice for 13-year-old Unaiz Khan, who was recently killed. Protesters called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the case, expressing deep concern over the handling of the matter.
Representatives from organizations including Sajhi Duniya, Mahila Federation, Humanity Association, Jan Sanskriti Manch, and students from Lucknow University participated in the demonstration. Speakers highlighted that the death of an innocent child has shaken society and questioned the police narrative that repeatedly labels the incident as an “accidental firing.”
Protesters criticized the lack of arrest of the main accused, Sanjeev Tripathi, the premature classification of the case as accidental, and multiple lapses in the investigation, which they say cast doubt on judicial transparency.
A memorandum was submitted to the Police Commissioner, raising critical questions such as why the family was denied access to the hospital, why the incident was declared accidental without a complete investigation, and why the primary adult suspect has not yet been apprehended.
The memorandum demanded:
- Immediate arrest of Sanjeev Tripathi and all adult accused named in the FIR.
- Public release of post-mortem and forensic reports.
- Preservation and submission of all CCTV footage from the crime scene in court.
- Action against police officers with questionable conduct.
- Transfer of the investigation to an independent agency or Special Investigation Team (SIT) for impartiality.
Speakers emphasized that justice for Unaiz Khan is not only about one child but also about upholding the rule of law and democratic accountability. They vowed that civil society will continue to raise its voice until a fair investigation is conducted and responsible parties are held accountable.
