UP man accused of shooting wife dead, taking children hostage, killed in police encounter
PTC News Desk: A man who shot dead his wife, two priests and took hostage his two children was killed in a police encounter following a standoff.
The incident began on Tuesday evening when Arvind Singh returned home around 6 pm. He reportedly found his wife, 32-year-old Babita Singh, performing a religious ritual with two priests — 60-year-old Mahendra Pathak and 50-year-old Akhilesh Mishra.
A heated argument followed. Police said Arvind then took out his licensed firearm and allegedly shot his wife before firing at the two priests.
He then took his three children and locked himself inside a room.
Seven-hour standoff with police
According to Naveen Arora, Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Varanasi Zone, police initially tried to handle the situation carefully. Arvind reportedly refused to come out of the house and told the police to wait until morning.
The situation became more serious when Arvind allegedly opened fire from inside the house. Police then entered the premises as a last resort.
During the confrontation, Arvind allegedly shot one of his sons. Both were taken to hospital, where they died from their injuries, police said.
#Azamgarh: थाना अहरौला क्षेत्रान्तर्गत ग्राम शम्भूपुर में एक व्यक्ति द्वारा अपनी पत्नी एवं 02 अन्य व्यक्तियों की गोली मारकर हत्या की घटना में वरिष्ठ अधिकारीगण द्वारा तत्काल घटनास्थल का निरीक्षण किया गया। आरोपी अरविंद को बच्चों सहित कमरे से बाहर निकालने के प्रयास के दौरान हुई… pic.twitter.com/JFcz1M94cu — AZAMGARH POLICE (@azamgarhpolice) September 22, 2026
"Even after a seven-hour siege, the accused refused to come out and kept insisting we wait until morning...Finally, when he (accused Arvind) opened fire from within, the SSP and three or four members of the Special Operations Group (SOG) team were compelled to break down the door and enter as a last resort," Arora told reporters. "We used stun grenades and tear gas; as the team members, including the SSP, entered, they came under fire and were forced to return fire," he added.
According to the police, Arvind's mother and wife had previously complained about his conduct.
"After speaking with villagers, the accused's family members, and an individual who survived the shooting unharmed, the investigation so far has revealed that Arvind was mentally disturbed and exhibited aggressive behaviour," SSP Kumar said. "His mother and wife had frequently complained about him assaulting family members and engaging in such conduct. Distressed by this situation, his mother and wife had organised a religious ritual. They suspected he was under the influence of an evil spirit and arranged the ceremony in the hope of dispelling it."
- PTC NEWS
