Arvind Singh, a 45‑year‑old resident of Shambhupur, opened fire with a licensed handgun on Tuesday evening, killing his wife Babita Singh and two local priests, Mahendra Pathak and Akhilesh Mishra, before retreating into a locked room with his two children.
The shooting erupted during a devotional ceremony at the home, when Singh reportedly shouted at his wife for interrupting the ritual, a confrontation that escalated into a fatal shooting, authorities say.
Azamgarh Senior Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar confirmed that law‑enforcement units from three stations have cordoned the property and are preparing a tactical entry, while child‑safety officers work to evacuate the minors.
The gun was licensed, but its use in a domestic dispute remains illegal, police spokesperson said. The incident has triggered a debate on gun‑control enforcement in rural Uttar Pradesh.
Residents of Shambhupur, who had previously celebrated the priests’ annual festival, describe the evening as a "nightmare" and fear further violence. The police plan to raid the house at 10 p.m., with the outcome pending.