A horrific incident shook Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Nagar (Ward No. 10) under the Jahanaganj police jurisdiction in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh on Tuesday afternoon, leaving the entire neighbourhood in shock. Neeraj Pandey, a local resident, allegedly shot dead his mother, two young children, and later himself following a domestic dispute.
According to reports, Neeraj first shot his 55-year-old mother, Chandrakala, then turned the gun on his 7-year-old daughter Shubhi and 4-year-old son Sangharsh. He then took his own life. Chandrakala and Neeraj died on the spot, while Sangharsh was declared dead at the hospital. Shubhi, critically injured with a gunshot wound to her abdomen, is undergoing treatment at the district hospital under close medical supervision.
Neeraj, who worked at a petrol pump in Varanasi, had returned to his village on Monday evening. His wife had moved back to the village with their children a week earlier. Relatives said a heated argument broke out on Tuesday afternoon, after which Neeraj, reportedly intoxicated and enraged, carried out the killings.
Locals expressed disbelief, stating that Neeraj had always appeared quiet and composed, making the violence even more shocking.
Police Investigation Underway
The pistol used in the crime has been recovered, with authorities verifying its license and origin. A forensic team has examined the scene, and additional evidence has been seized. SSP Hemraj Meena stated that domestic strife and alcohol abuse appear to be the primary motives. Neeraj had reportedly been under prolonged stress and had developed an alcohol addiction.
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