A shocking incident in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh district turned into an hours-long hostage situation after a man allegedly shot dead his wife and two priests during a puja at his home in Shambhupur village. The accused, identified as Arvind Singh, later locked himself inside a room with his three children.The standoff continued for several hours before police intervened after another gunshot was heard from inside the room. Police said Singh had shot one of his children. He was injured in retaliatory firing and later died during treatment. The injured child also succumbed to the gunshot wound. Two other children were rescued safely.Key HighlightsThe incident took place in Shambhupur village under Ahraula police station in Azamgarh.Arvind Singh allegedly shot his wife and two priests during a puja.He then locked himself inside a room with his three children.The hostage situation lasted several hours.Police said Singh shot one of his children during the standoff.Singh and the injured child later died during treatment.Two other children were rescued safely.Police and forensic teams are investigating the incident.What Happened During the Puja in Azamgarh?According to police and reports, the incident began around Tuesday evening when Arvind Singh returned home and found a puja taking place. The ceremony was reportedly connected to the family’s concerns about his behaviour and was linked to the death of his elder brother two years ago.A priest who escaped from the house told police that the family believed Singh’s brother’s soul had not found peace. Police also said Singh’s family had concerns about his alleged alcohol consumption and unusual behaviour. These details are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been established as the definitive reason for the shooting.Reports said Singh questioned the priests about their identity and allegedly asked them to show their Aadhaar cards. An argument followed, after which Singh allegedly went inside, brought out a licensed firearm and opened fire.His wife Babita Singh and two priests, identified as Mahendra Pathak and Akhilesh Mishra, were killed in the firing.Azamgarh Hostage Crisis Lasted Several HoursAfter the shootings, Singh allegedly locked himself inside a room with his three children. Police officers and relatives tried to convince him to surrender and release the children.According to the police account, officers continued negotiations for several hours. The situation changed after a gunshot was heard from inside the room.Police said Singh had fired at one of the children. Officers then entered the room while responding to the threat. Singh allegedly opened fire at the police team, following which police fired back and injured him.Singh and the injured child were taken to hospital, where both later died during treatment. Two other children were rescued safely.Police Investigation UnderwayAzamgarh SSP Anil Kumar said the police response was aimed at protecting the children and responding to the firing from inside the room.The bodies of the victims have been sent for post-mortem examination. A forensic team has also been involved in collecting evidence from the scene.Police are investigating the sequence of events, including the dispute during the puja, the shootings inside the house and the circumstances surrounding the police firing.The incident has left five people dead, including Singh, his wife, two priests and their child. Two other children were rescued from the house.What Is Known About the Azamgarh Shooting Case?The investigation is still underway, and police have not yet established a final motive for the violence. Initial reports have linked the puja to family concerns surrounding Singh’s behaviour and the death of his brother, but investigators will determine the circumstances based on witness statements, forensic evidence and other findings.The case has also drawn attention because of the prolonged hostage situation involving the accused’s children and the subsequent police intervention.
