Azamgarh Triple Murder: 2 Priests, Woman Shot Dead During Puja; Kids Held Hostage
The incident triggered a police standoff after the accused, identified as Arvind Singh, allegedly locked himself inside the house with his three children and firearms, leaving the kids held hostage during the tense situation in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh.
Three people, including two priests and a woman, were shot dead during a puja at a house in Shambhupur village of Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh district on Tuesday evening. The incident triggered a police standoff after the accused, identified as Arvind Singh, allegedly locked himself inside the house with his three children and firearms, leaving the kids held hostage during the tense situation, India Today reported.
The victims included Singh's wife, Babita, and two priests who had reportedly come to conduct the puja. One of the priests was identified as Mahendra Pathak. Police later secured the premises and took the accused into custody. Azamgarh Triple Murder: Man Allegedly Shoots Dead Wife and 2 Priests After Aadhaar Card Dispute During Puja (Video).
Man Kills Woman, 2 Priests During Puja in AzamgarhÂ
After killing wife and two priests, Arvind Singh, the main accsued in the UP's Azamgarh triple murder, has locked himself with his two children in a room. Azamgarh police is trying to resolve the hostage situation. https://t.co/ZJWYp4Rljo pic.twitter.com/MNcKuIXtD2
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) September 22, 2026
Dispute Broke Out During Puja
According to preliminary information, Singh returned home from the market while the religious ceremony was underway. He allegedly questioned the priests about their Aadhaar cards, following which an argument broke out.
The dispute escalated and shots were fired from a pistol. Three people were injured and later died. Other priests attending the puja reportedly fled the house following the firing. Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the confrontation and the subsequent shooting. Gorakhpur Triple Murder: Teen Kills His Elder Brother, Sister-in-Law and Nephew With Sharp-Edged Weapon Over Family Dispute in Uttar Pradesh.
Woman, Two Priests Killed
The three victims were Singh's wife Babita and two priests. Mahendra Pathak was identified as one of the priests killed in the firing. Police and forensic teams reached the scene and began collecting evidence, including the firearm and other material linked to the shooting. The bodies are to undergo post-mortem examinations as part of the investigation.
Kids Held Hostage Inside House
After the firing, police received information that Singh had locked himself inside the house with his three children and firearms. Police and local residents gathered outside the property while officers attempted to establish communication with him. Police also asked villagers and media personnel to maintain a safe distance from the spot.
According to the latest India Today update, fire brigade personnel eventually used a water jet to break open the gate and enter the house. Singh and all three children were brought out safely. The accused and the children were subsequently taken to a hospital for medical examination. Police also seized the licensed firearms reportedly found in the house.
Puja Linked To Brother's Death
The puja was reportedly organised in connection with the death of Singh's brother, Guddu Singh, who was allegedly shot dead around two years ago. According to the preliminary account, Singh had opposed holding the ceremony and had asked his family not to organise it. Despite his objections, the puja was held at the house on Tuesday. Police are investigating whether the disagreement was connected to the subsequent violence.
Police Investigation Underway
Police have not yet established the precise reason for the firing or the complete sequence of events that resulted in the three deaths. Investigators are examining the crime scene and collecting forensic evidence. Priests who were present during the ceremony and fled after the shooting are also expected to be questioned. The bodies will be sent for post-mortem examinations, while the investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the killings.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2026 12:03 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
