Widow of Senior IAF Engineer Demands Independent Probe into His Murder

The widow of a senior Indian Air Force (IAF) civil engineer, S.N. Mishra, has called for an independent investigation into his murder, expressing doubts about the Uttar Pradesh police’s findings. The shocking incident occurred in a high-security military zone in Prayagraj on the night of March 28-29.

Key Highlights:

• Victim: S.N. Mishra, Commander Works Engineers (AF), Bamrauli (Prayagraj)
• Incident: Murder inside a high-security military area
• Suspect Arrested: 22-year-old Saurabh Kumar, along with his parents
• Official Motive (as per police): Attempted burglary to fund bail for Saurabh’s jailed brother
• Widow’s Stand: Claims it was a “targeted killing” and demands an independent probe

Widow Raises Concerns Over Investigation

Vatsala Mishra, the wife of the deceased, is unconvinced by the police’s explanation. In a formal note, she appealed for a fair and transparent inquiry, arguing that the attack was premeditated and not just a burglary attempt.

Suspicious Circumstances Surrounding the Case:

• March 14 Intrusion Attempt: Unidentified individuals approached the Mishra residence but fled when confronted.
• Security Request Denied: Despite reporting the incident, Mishra was advised against filing an FIR and was assured of enhanced security, which never materialized.
• March 29 Attack: A similar intrusion occurred; this time, Mishra was fatally shot through a window.
• Unusual Behavior of Assailant: The attacker showed no signs of urgency or fear despite being in a military zone.

Mishra Had Warned Authorities of Security Risks

Mishra had taken proactive steps after the first intrusion attempt, alerting Air Force authorities and requesting stronger security measures. His letter to the Central Air Command (CAC) highlighted:

Date	Incident Details	Action Taken by Mishra
March 14	Two intruders attempted to cut through the door’s mosquito net.	Alerted Air Force authorities and requested security reinforcement.
March 15	Mishra reported discovering a shoe, knife, pipe rod, and grill cutter near the boundary wall.	Formally wrote to the CO of CAC to investigate the matter.
March 29	An intruder cut through the door and shot Mishra through a window.	No action could be taken as the incident proved fatal.

Police Version vs. Widow’s Stand

While the police claim that the murder was a botched burglary attempt, Vatsala Mishra argues that the evidence suggests a pre-planned assassination.

Police Narrative:

• The accused, Saurabh Kumar, was in desperate need of money for his brother’s bail.
• His parents assisted him in conducting a recce of the house.
• Saurabh attempted to break in but, upon being noticed by Mishra, shot him in panic.

Widow’s Counterpoints:

• The family was frequently out of the station, making it illogical for burglars to target the house while they were home.
• Saurabh had expensive tastes and owned an iPhone worth Rs 1.5 lakh, contradicting claims of financial desperation.
• Mishra was due for a transfer to Port Blair in April, raising questions about the timing of the attack.

Political Reactions and Investigation Status

The case has gained political attention, with opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav criticizing the UP government’s handling of law and order. He stated that incidents like these prove that criminals still operate freely in the state.

Meanwhile, the police continue to investigate the case, asserting that Saurabh scaled the boundary wall using a rope, attempted to break the gate, and eventually resorted to shooting Mishra through a window when he woke up.

Widow’s Demand:

• A comprehensive, independent investigation by a special team.
• A review of security measures in high-security military zones.
• Accountability for the earlier ignored security warnings.

FAQs

1. Who was S.N. Mishra?

S.N. Mishra was a senior Indian Air Force civil engineer stationed at the Commander Works Engineers (AF), Bamrauli, Prayagraj.

2. What is the official police version of the murder?

The police claim that 22-year-old Saurabh Kumar attempted a burglary to arrange bail for his jailed brother but ended up shooting Mishra when he was noticed.

3. Why is the widow demanding an independent investigation?

She believes the attack was a targeted killing rather than a burglary gone wrong. She also claims that security warnings given by Mishra were ignored before his murder.

4. What political reactions has this case received?

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has criticized the UP government, stating that the law and order situation has worsened.

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