Five Deaths in Azamgarh: The Shocking Theory Behind the Family’s Long-Running Tragedy

Azamgarh: The dispute that started during the puja on Tuesday evening in Shambhupur Gahji village of Ahraula police station area quickly turned into a bloody incident. Arvind Singh allegedly shot dead his wife Babita Singh and two priests who had come to perform puja. After this, he locked himself in a room of the house with his eight-year-old son Shaurya, nine-year-old daughter Pari and six-month-old girl. For about eight hours the police kept convincing the accused to come out and leave the children safely. The situation worsened late in the night when the accused also shot his son Shaurya. Arvind was injured in police retaliation and died during treatment. Five people including the accused lost their lives in this incident.

Why did the police surround the house from all sides?

As soon as information about the incident was received, police from six police stations including DIG Sunil Kumar Singh, SSP Dr Anil Kumar reached the spot. The police surrounded the house from all sides. Due to the presence of small children inside the room, the police started the action with utmost caution. The officials kept appealing to Arvind to open the door and send the children out safely.

The police also took the help of his family members to convince the accused. Despite this he was not ready to come out. He remained locked in the room with the children till around 10 pm.

Why was Arvind angry about Pooja?

According to the initial investigation by the police and information received from the local people, there was an atmosphere of tension in the family for the last several years. Arvind's elder brother Sunil Singh alias Guddu was murdered in the year 2018. It is said that Sunil was murdered during the Bhandara held after the puja in the village temple. Close relatives were accused in this case.

After Sunil's death, there were many apprehensions in the family. According to the local people, some family members felt that the reason for the disturbance in the house could be some matter related to Sunil's soul. For this reason, it was decided to conduct a puja for the peace of his soul.

What did the priests say to the family?

It is being told that the priests who conducted the puja had allegedly told Babita that due to Sunil's soul, there were problems in the family and the situation could be rectified by performing puja. A five-day puja was being organised for this purpose.

Meanwhile, Arvind reached there and started arguing with the priests conducting the puja. It is alleged that he opened fire on both the priests and his wife with his rifle. All three died on the spot. After this he locked the children in the room.

How did the police take action after the son was shot?

When Arvind did not surrender even after several hours of talking, the police continued trying to convince him from outside. During this time he shot his son Shaurya. Hearing the sound of the bullet, the policemen reached inside the room. According to the police, Arvind also fired at the team.

After this the police and ATS team retaliated. Arvind was hit by several bullets in the encounter that took place around 12:55 am. The police took him to the hospital for treatment, where he died. Son Shaurya was also taken to the hospital for treatment, but he could not be saved.

What is the relation of this eight year old incident to this murder?

Arvind's elder brother Sunil was murdered in the year 2018. According to local people, Sunil used to work in security and after his murder, tension had increased in the family. The licensed weapon used in the incident was first said to be in the name of Sunil, which was later transferred to the name of Arvind.

Local people also said that Arvind had a drug habit and it is said that he was drunk on the day of the incident. However, official confirmation of these claims will become clear only after the investigation is completed. The police is now investigating the entire matter by linking the reason for the murder, the dispute that took place during the puja and old incidents in the family.