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Man kills wife, two priests in UP; holds children hostage

A man in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh district has allegedly shot dead his wife and two priests who were conducting a prayer ceremony at his home, then barricaded himself inside with his children as hostages. Police have launched negotiations to secure the release of the minors.

LSN India · 22 September 2026

Man kills wife, two priests in UP; holds children hostage

An armed man in Shambhupur village, Azamgarh district, has killed his wife and two priests after shooting them inside his home, police said on Monday. The incident occurred as the priests were conducting a religious ritual at the residence. Following the alleged shootings, the man locked himself inside the house with his children, taking them hostage to prevent authorities from entering. Preliminary reports suggest there are at least two children aged 10 and 7 years in the house, with an additional six-month-old infant possibly present. The suspect is reportedly in possession of two licensed firearms. Local law enforcement has deployed negotiators at the scene and is attempting to resolve the standoff through dialogue to ensure the safe release of the children. The circumstances that led to the alleged violence remain under investigation.