Puja turns deadly in Azamgarh: 2 priests, woman shot dead; 3 children rescued

According to preliminary information, a dispute broke out after Arvind Singh returned home from the market and allegedly questioned the priests about their Aadhaar cards. The argument escalated, following which shots were fired from a pistol.Azamgarh murders: The victims included Babita, the wife of Arvind Singh, and two priests Three people, including two priests and a woman, were shot dead during a puja at a house in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh on Tuesday evening, triggering a police standoff after the accused allegedly locked himself inside the house with his three children and firearms.The accused and the children were later safely brought out after fire brigade personnel broke open the gate using a water jet.The victims included Babita, the accused’s wife, and two priests who had reportedly come to the house to conduct the puja. One of the priests has been identified as Mahendra Pathak.The accused was subsequently taken into custody, while police seized the licensed firearms allegedly found in his possession. WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE PUJAAccording to preliminary information, a dispute broke out after the accused returned home from the market and allegedly questioned the priests about their Aadhaar cards.The argument escalated, following which shots were fired from a pistol. Three people were injured in the firing and later died. Other priests who were attending the puja reportedly fled the spot after the shooting.CHILDREN RESCUED AFTER POLICE STANDOFFFollowing the firing, police received information that the accused was inside the house with his three children and firearms.Police and local residents gathered outside the house and attempted to establish communication with him.Fire brigade personnel eventually used a water jet to break open the gate and gain entry into the house. The accused and all three children were brought outside safely.Police subsequently took the accused and the children to a hospital for medical examination. The licensed firearms found in the house were also taken into police custody.WHY WAS THE PUJA BEING HELD?The firing took place during a puja reportedly organised in connection with the death of the accused’s brother, Guddu Singh.Guddu Singh was allegedly shot dead around two years ago. The family had reportedly organised the puja for his peace.According to the preliminary account, the accused had opposed holding the puja and had asked his family not to organise it. Despite his objections, the ceremony was held at the house on Tuesday, leading to the confrontation.POLICE INVESTIGATION UNDERWAYPolice have not yet established the exact reason for the firing or the sequence of events that led to the three deaths.Police officers reached the scene after receiving information about the firing and began collecting evidence, including the weapons and other material related to the shooting.The priests who were present at the puja but fled after the firing are also expected to be questioned as part of the investigation.The bodies will be sent for post-mortem examination. Police said the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths will become clearer after the investigation and post-mortem reports.- EndsPublished By: Aprameya RaoPublished On: Sep 22, 2026 23:08 IST