An Indian Air Force (IAF) civilian engineer was brutally killed when he was asleep in his official residence in the Prayagraj cantonment area of Uttar Pradesh during the early hours on Saturday.

About the incident

The attacker opened fire through a window while SN Mishra, 51, slept, said Puramufti Station House Officer (SHO) Manoj Singh. Mishra was hit by a bullet in the chest and was rushed to the Army hospital, where he succumbed. 

Family and Investigation

Mishra is married, has a son, and a daughter.  Post-mortem was conducted on the dead body to look for other inputs into the tragedy.

Such Incidents Involving Defense Personnel

This ghastly tragedy is one of a chain of accidents with defense personnel in Uttar Pradesh

February 2019: Retired Defence Wing public relations officer Wing Commander Arvind Sinha was found dead from a gunshot wound to the neck at his home in the locality of Bamrauli Air Force Station, Prayagraj. Initial investigations had revealed Sinha was distressed because of personal issues.

May 2024: Prayagraj Air Force officer Ashish Kumar Verma is said to have committed suicide by shooting himself outside the gate of his in-laws’ residence after he tried to meet his wife and daughter. Domestic family problems were given as the probable cause.

September 2023: Body of former Air Force man Satyendra Kumar was found behind Casa Green Apartment in Lucknow. It was in December 2024 that property companies were arrested on a charge of murder for allegedly murdering Kumar over a confrontation between them about investment issues.

Community Response

These events have raised question marks over defense personnel’s safety and well-being, serving and retired. There is a demand for adequate investigations and plans of assistance to listen to the concerns of those who served the nation.

The premature and tragic death of SN Mishra underscores the need for enhanced security measures and support for defense personnel and their families. Authorities are urged to conduct comprehensive investigations to ensure justice and prevent such incidents in the future.