Lucknow Double Murder-Suicide: INR 1 Crore Alimony Row Emerges as New Twist in Case
Investigators probing the tragic double murder-suicide in Lucknow's Gomti Nagar have uncovered a financial dispute over an alleged ₹1 crore alimony demand, identifying it as a potential trigger for the violence.
Investigators probing the tragic double murder-suicide in Lucknow's Gomti Nagar have uncovered a financial dispute over an alleged ₹1 crore alimony demand, identifying it as a potential trigger for the violence. Manas Vajpayee, an employee of the State Bank of India (SBI), shot and killed his estranged wife, Divya Mishra, outside her workplace on Thursday before killing his 28-year-old sister, Shiva, and taking his own life.
According to police sources, investigators recovered documents related to the couple’s ongoing divorce proceedings. The paperwork details financial demands made by Mishra, 38, who filed for divorce last year after living separately from Vajpayee for over a year. The dispute reportedly reached a boiling point during a family court hearing held just two days before the fatal shooting. Double Murder-Suicide Rocks Lucknow: Pragya Mishra’s Sister Shot Dead by Husband Manas Vajpayee, Accused Kills Sister Before Suicide.
The incident unfolded on Thursday outside the ICICI Bank branch in Gomti Nagar where Mishra worked. CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts indicate that Vajpayee called Mishra outside, spoke with her briefly, and then fired at her. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead.
Following the shooting, Vajpayee returned to his residence, where he shot his sister, Shiva. Family context reveals that long-standing friction surrounding Shiva’s mental health had also strained the couple's 12-year marriage, with frequent arguments occurring over her care while she lived with them. Before ending his own life, Vajpayee posted a message on his WhatsApp status claiming responsibility for the attacks, alleging marital infidelity and naming family members. Lucknow Double Murder-Suicide: Pragya Mishra Says She Could Not Tell Mother About Sister Divya’s Death.
Meanwhile, Mishra's family has painted a picture of severe domestic distress. Her sister, prominent media personality Pragya Mishra, publicly alleged that Vajpayee was abusive throughout the marriage, claiming he frequently assaulted her sister over minor household issues. Lucknow police continue to examine financial records, court filings, and the origin of the firearms used in the commission of the crimes as the investigation proceeds.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 22, 2026 01:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
