Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh: A tense seven-hour standoff in Azamgarh ended in a police encounter early Wednesday after a man accused of killing his wife and two priests barricaded himself inside his house with three children. Police eventually entered the premises after shots were fired from inside, rescuing the children and fatally injuring the accused.
The incident unfolded in Shambhuganj village under the Ahraula police station area on Tuesday evening. According to police, the accused, identified as Arvind Singh, allegedly opened fire during a religious ceremony, killing his wife Babita and two priests.
Dispute During Religious Ceremony
Police said the violence began after Arvind returned home while a religious ritual was taking place. A preliminary account reported that an argument broke out after he questioned the priests who were conducting the ceremony.
The ritual had reportedly been organised by family members following the death of Arvind’s brother. Police said Arvind had opposed the ceremony, and tensions escalated after he returned home. The exact sequence of events remains under investigation.
Three people — Arvind’s wife and two priests — were killed in the shooting, according to police and local reports.
Seven-Hour Police Standoff
After the shooting, Arvind allegedly locked himself inside a room with three children. Police surrounded the house and spent several hours trying to persuade him to surrender and release the children.
Senior police officials and family members reportedly participated in the negotiations. According to the police account, Arvind repeatedly refused to come out and continued to hold the children inside.
The situation became more dangerous when a gunshot was heard from inside the room. Police said the accused subsequently opened fire as officers attempted to enter.
Police Use Stun Grenades and Tear Gas
According to officials, police used stun grenades and tear gas before breaking open the door. Officers from the Special Operations Group and senior police officials entered the room to rescue the children.
Police said Arvind fired at the team and officers responded with gunfire. He was seriously injured during the exchange and was taken to hospital, where he was declared dead, according to police reports.
The police version of the encounter is expected to be examined as part of the investigation into the incident.
Children Rescued From the House
Three children were found inside the house. One, identified in reports as Arvind’s son, had suffered a gunshot injury and was taken to hospital. The other two children were rescued and also taken for medical examination.
Reports said the children had spent several hours inside the locked premises and were suffering from trauma and dehydration. The two daughters were later reported to have been rescued unharmed, while the injured boy’s condition was critical.
The Times of India reported that the injured son later succumbed to his injuries, while the two daughters were rescued.
Investigation Underway
Police and forensic teams reached the scene after the shooting and collected evidence. The bodies of the deceased were sent for post-mortem examination.
Officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the initial shooting, the deaths inside the house and the subsequent police operation. Statements from surviving family members and people present during the religious ceremony are expected to form part of the investigation.
The incident has left the village shaken, with the prolonged standoff drawing a large police presence as authorities focused on bringing the children out safely.
