Srinagar’s famous Krishna Dhaba owner’s son dies 12 days after being shot by militant

Srinagar: The famous Krishna Dhaba owner’s son Akash Mehra, who was shot at and critically wounded by gunmen earlier this month in Srinagar, died in a hospital on Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, all political parties, including two former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, besides civil societies and general public condoled the demise of Akash.

“His last rites will be performed at Janipora in Jammu,” family sources said.

Akash was critically wounded when he was shot at near his shop at Dalgate Sonawar area on February 17 evening, when a foreign delegation was in the city for assessing ground situation in the Kashmir valley.

The injured, who had received three bullet wounds, was admitted to hospital where he was operated upon by doctors.

However, he succumbed this morning at the hospital. His family members left with the body of Akash for Jammu this morning, sources said.

Terming the news as very sad, said after a brave fight he lost the battle to recover from injuries suffered in the earlier attack. “Very sad news about Akash, son of the owner of Krishna Dhaba in Srinagar. After a brave fight he lost the battle to recover from injuries suffered in the earlier attack. May his soul rest in peace & may his family find strength at this difficult time,” Mr Abdullah, who is the vice president of National Conference (NC), wrote on micro-blogging site twitter.

Reaching to the news, Ms Mehbooba, who is the president of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said that she is shocked and saddened to know that Akash succumbed to his injuries after being shot at by militants. “May his soul rest in peace & deepest condolences to the bereaved family,” she tweeted.

Similar, outrage over the death of the eatery owner’s son was expressed by over civil societies and general public.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir range, on February 19 said that three newly recruited militants involved in the incident were arrested. The weapon and motorcycle used for the crime have also been seized.

Akash was the second non-Kashmiri killed by gunmen this year. Satpal Singh, a goldsmith was shot dead at his shop at Sarai Bala on December 31. (UNI)