7 hours of terror: Man kills wife, priests and son in UP hostage drama; shot dead by police
The incident took place when an argument broke out inside the accused’s house over a ‘puja’.
Arvind Singh, a man from Azamgarh, India, is accused of committing a hostage drama that resulted in the deaths of seven people over a seven-hour period. The incident began when Singh returned home from the market to find his wife, Babita, organizing a prayer service, or puja, at their residence. The puja was initiated by his family who believed he was under the influence of a ghost due to his drinking habits.
Singh reportedly opposed the ritual and confronted the four priests inside the house, demanding their Aadhaar cards. He allegedly fired a licensed pistol, killing Babita and two priests, Mahendra Pathak and Akhilesh Mishra. The remaining priests fled the scene.
Singh then locked himself in a room with his three children, heavily intoxicated, after committing the murders. Police, including SSP Anil Kumar and SP RA Chirag Jain, rushed to the area to rescue the children. Detectives warned Singh against harming them and ordered him to surrender, but he refused. Singh subsequently shot one of his children, prompting police retaliation.
The accused, suffering a bullet wound, was taken to the hospital where he died alongside his son. The Security Operations Group deployed a team to secure the premises, which was later cordoned off.
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Also reported by 2 other outlets
- Man kills wife and priests in ritual dispute, dies in police encounter thehindu.com
- UP man accused of killing wife, 2 priests shot dead after 7-hour standoff timesofindia.indiatimes.com
