Nishat Fatima, 26, was shot dead inside the corridor of Children's Academy School in Lakhimpur Kheri at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, the police said. The gunman, 28‑year‑old Mohammed Saud, entered the building to meet her, then fired a single bullet that struck her before he turned the weapon on himself. Students witnessed the exchange, their faces blanching in the sudden chaos.
Police arrived within minutes, sealing off the corridor and escorting frightened students out of the building. Forensic teams began collecting ballistic evidence, while the bodies were taken for post‑mortem examinations. The school administration was summoned for questioning.
Senior Superintendent of Police Khyati Garg, who inspected the scene, said the motive remains unclear. She added that Fatima had been teaching at the school for a year, and that she and Saud had been in regular contact. Families of both victims are being interviewed to unearth any motive.
The incident has rattled the local community; parents are demanding tighter security, while the school’s principal has pledged to review safety protocols. Meanwhile, the police are canvassing the area for witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage from nearby shops.
Investigators will keep the public posted as they probe possible motives, and a formal report will be filed once all evidence is compiled. The case is currently under the purview of the district crime branch, with a deadline set for next week to submit findings.