Azamgarh man kills wife, two priests over ritual, holds children hostage
A man in Azamgarh allegedly shot dead his wife and two priests during a ritual at his home, then barricaded himself inside with his children.
A village in Azamgarh district was thrown into turmoil on Tuesday evening after a man allegedly shot dead his wife and two priests at his home and then locked himself inside a room with his children, prompting a large police response.
According to Azamgarh Senior Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar, the accused opened fire on three people, including his wife, with a licensed weapon. "The wife of the accused and two other persons have died," he said.
The accused has barricaded himself in a room along with his children, and officers are working to bring the children out safely, the SSP said. He added that the law and order situation in the area remains under control.
Police sources identified the accused as Arvind Singh, a resident of Shambhupur village. He is said to have returned home around 6 pm and found his wife, Babita Singh, 32, taking part in a religious ritual conducted by two priests, Mahendra Pathak, 60, and Akhilesh Mishra, 50.
Arvind allegedly flew into a rage at the sight of the ceremony and began abusing his wife and the priests. The confrontation escalated after his wife objected, following which he is said to have drawn his licensed firearm and shot her first, before turning the weapon on the two priests.
After the shooting, the accused locked himself inside the house. Police teams from several stations reached the spot after being alerted and surrounded the premises. Efforts are continuing to apprehend the accused and to bring the children out safely.