Lucknow: Rishabh Shukla, 29, the prime accused in Saadatganj triple murder, is a state-level shooter and won medals in competitive events. He also branded firearms on his social media handles.Police have learnt that Rishabh participated in a pre-state-level trap shooting competition in 2024 and won a medal. He was reportedly felicitated by members associated with a state rifle shooting body. Police are yet to verify claims that he had earlier served in the Navy.The shooting background has come under scrutiny following Monday’s triple murder where Rishabh allegedly gunned down three neighbours of the same family over a parking dispute. Police are examining every aspect of his profile as they reconstruct the sequence of events. Cops though say that participation in a shooting competition by itself does not establish any connection between sporting activity and the alleged crime.Witnesses claimed that after the firing, Rishabh remained outside his house holding a pistol in one hand and a magazine in the other. Residents alleged that he threatened people who tried to approach the victims or provide assistance, leaving the neighbourhood gripped by fear.Police later arrested him and recovered a pistol from him.His Instagram profile contains several photographs showing him posing with pistols and rifles. The account is said to have around 34,500 followers and follows 69 accounts.Apart from firearm-related photographs, the profile reportedly reflects his interest in snakes and dogs. Several images show him handling snakes, while others depict him at parties and social gatherings. Posts showing weapons have been widely circulated on social media since the crime.Police will verify whether the firearms displayed in the photographs were legally owned, operational, or in any way linked to the weapon allegedly used in the crime. Cops said the probe remains focused on establishing the facts surrounding the triple murder and gathering evidence related to the accused’s actions before and after the shooting.The case has sparked widespread public attention, not only because of the nature of the killings but also due to the accused’s reported familiarity with firearms and the online image he projected through social media.
