Three people, including two priests and a woman, were killed in a shooting during a puja at a house in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh on Tuesday evening. The incident led to a police standoff after the accused allegedly locked himself inside the house with his three children and firearms.
The accused and his children were eventually brought out safely after fire brigade personnel broke open the gate using a water jet.
Among those killed was Babita, the accused’s wife, along with two priests who had reportedly arrived at the house to perform the puja. One of the priests has been identified as Mahendra Pathak.
The accused was later taken into custody, and police seized the licensed firearms reportedly found in his possession.
WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE PUJA
According to preliminary information, a disagreement began after the accused returned home from the market and allegedly questioned the priests about their Aadhaar cards.
The argument reportedly intensified, after which shots were fired from a pistol. Three people sustained gunshot injuries and later died.
Other priests who had attended the puja reportedly fled the house following the firing.
CHILDREN RESCUED AFTER POLICE STANDOFF
After the shooting, police were informed that the accused was inside the house along with his three children and firearms.
Police personnel and local residents gathered outside the property and tried to establish contact with him.
Fire brigade officials eventually used a water jet to break through the gate and enter the house. The accused and all three children were safely brought outside.
The accused and the children were subsequently taken to a hospital for medical examination. Police also took possession of the licensed firearms recovered from the house.
WHY WAS THE PUJA BEING HELD?
The shooting took place during a puja reportedly organised following the death of the accused’s brother, Guddu Singh.
Guddu Singh was allegedly shot dead around two years ago, following which the family reportedly organised the ceremony for his peace.
According to the preliminary account, the accused had opposed the puja and asked his family not to hold it. Despite his objections, the ceremony was organised at the house on Tuesday, eventually resulting in the confrontation.
POLICE INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY
Police are yet to determine the precise motive behind the shooting or establish the complete sequence of events that resulted in the deaths of the three victims.
Officers reached the location after being alerted about the firing and began gathering evidence, including the weapons and other material connected to the incident.
The priests who were present during the puja and fled following the shooting are also expected to be questioned as part of the probe.
The bodies will be sent for post-mortem examinations. Police said the circumstances surrounding the deaths will become clearer as the investigation progresses and the post-mortem reports are received.
