Lucknow, Aug 21 (PTI) A day after a State Bank of India employee shot his wife and sister dead before killing himself in Lucknow, police on Friday began probing the killer’s motive, the timeline of events, and the source of the three firearms used in the crime and recovered from his home.
Police said the investigation was still at a preliminary stage and they were examining all possible angles, including the couple’s marital dispute, their divorce proceedings, the reported alimony demand and differences over the accused’s sister.
“We are examining all aspects of the incident and the reasons that led to the murders. The investigation is still in its preliminary stage and we are not in a position to comment at this time,” ADCP (East) Amol Murkut said. Investigators are questioning relatives and other people known to the family to determine whether accused Manas Vajpeyi, a field officer with the SBI, had planned the killings and whether anyone assisted him in obtaining the weapons.
Police are also examining CCTV footage from the ICICI Bank branch in Gomti Nagar, where Manas allegedly shot his wife Divya Mishra (37). According to the investigation, Manas called Divya outside the bank around 12:15 pm on Thursday. The two allegedly argued, and he opened fire at her before fleeing in an autorickshaw. He then returned to his residence in Husaria — a few kilometres from the crime spot — where he allegedly shot his sister, Sheeba Vajpeyi (28), before killing himself.
Police are also examining a WhatsApp status posted by Manas before his death, in which he made allegations against his wife, his wife’s sister Pragya Mishra, and her husband.
Police sources said the August 18 family court hearing in the couple’s divorce case is an important part of the investigation. Police are looking into reports that a dispute over alimony took place during the hearing and that a substantial settlement amount was sought.
Investigators are also examining the long-standing differences between the couple over Manas’s sister, who, according to family members, had been undergoing treatment for depression. Divya’s sister, Pragya, alleged that Manas had subjected her sister to harassment.
She also questioned how he obtained the firearms and whether another person could have been involved.
Police have not confirmed any involvement of a third person and said they are examining all such allegations. CCTV footage from outside the bank, statements from bank employees and security guards, forensic evidence, and the accused’s digital records are expected to form key parts of the investigation.
Police said the bodies of Manas, Divya and Sheeba were sent for a post-mortem examination, while forensic teams examined both crime scenes. PTI CDN ASD ASD ASD
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