Blinded by simmering hostility towards a neighbour, a lawyer late on Monday shot at three of his neighbours' family, critically injuring one, police said on Tuesday.

Superintendent of Police (Trans-Gomti) Dinesh Yadav told media persons that the incident took place in Vishal Khand area of posh Gomtinagar, when in a fit of rage, lawyer Ram Naresh Pandey, opened fire on his neighbour Uma Shanker, his wife Mithlesh and their son Ankur.

Swati, daughter of the injured man, told the police that the lawyer had abused them and was always harassing them. To protest against the continued barbs, when her brother Ankur went to confront the lawyer, he opened fire at him. 

A bullet hit his chest and he fell down. 

As gun shots rent the air, Uma Shanker and his wife ran to check if all was well and they too were shot by the lawyer.

Neighbours rushed in and overpowered the lawyer and informed the police. The assailant has been arrested and his licensed pistol has been seized. 

The injured was taken to a nearby medical facility where the condition of Ankur continues to be critical, police said.