Daijiworld Media Network – Azamgarh

Azamgarh, Jul 1: In a shocking case of domestic violence, a man allegedly killed his mother and four-year-old son before shooting himself dead in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh district on Tuesday. His seven-year-old daughter, who was also shot, is battling for life at the district hospital, police said.

The accused, Neeraj Pandey, employed at a fuel station in Varanasi, had returned to his native village of Chakia Mustafabad on Monday. According to Senior Superintendent of Police Hemraj Meena, Neeraj suddenly opened fire on his family members on Tuesday afternoon, killing his mother Chandrakala and son Sarthak on the spot. He then turned the weapon on himself.

Neighbours, alarmed by the sound of gunfire, rushed to the house and found the family grievously injured. All four were taken to the hospital, where Neeraj, his mother, and son were declared dead. His daughter Subhi remains in critical condition.

Preliminary investigations suggest Neeraj was under the influence of alcohol during the incident. A possible family dispute is being probed as the cause of the horrific crime. A pistol was recovered from the scene.

The whereabouts of Neeraj’s wife remain unknown, and police are investigating all possible angles.