LUCKNOW: A bank employee allegedly shot dead his estranged wife, a relationship manager with ICICI Bank, outside her workplace in Lucknow’s Gomti Nagar area on Thursday afternoon before returning home and killing his younger sister. He then shot himself.The incident has sent shockwaves through the city, with police teams and forensic experts reaching both crime scenes to collect evidence and reconstruct the sequence of events.According to preliminary information, the accused, identified as Manas Bajpai (38), who worked with the State Bank of India (SBI), reached the ICICI Bank branch where his wife Divya Mishra (36) worked as an assistant manager.At around noon, he reportedly called her and asked her to come outside the bank.Divya came out of the branch and spoke to him for some time. The conversation, however, soon turned violent. Bajpai allegedly opened fire at her outside the bank before fleeing the spot. The shooting triggered panic among bank employees and people in the surrounding area.Divya sustained serious bullet injuries and collapsed outside the bank. Bank employees and local residents rushed to the spot after hearing the gunshot.Police were subsequently informed, and the area was secured for investigation.Wife had sought divorcePolice are also looking into the couple’s marital relationship as a possible factor behind the killing. Divya had reportedly approached the court about a year ago seeking divorce from Bajpai.Divya was working as an relationship manager/relationship manager at ICICI Bank and was residing in the Alambagh area. She was also the sister of YouTuber Pragya Mishra (34).After shooting Divya, Bajpai reportedly travelled to his rented house near the Husadiya crossing, where he lived with his younger sister.Sister shot inside houseA local fast-food shop owner, identified as Lavkush, told reporters that Bajpai arrived at the house at around 12.30 pm. He was reportedly sweating heavily and appeared disturbed. After entering the premises, he shut the door of the room from inside.A short while later, people outside heard sounds from inside the room. Bajpai had allegedly shot his younger sister Tulika (33) and then turned the firearm on himself.Police reached the house after receiving information about the incident and found both siblings inside. The exact circumstances leading to the second shooting are being investigated.Police begin investigationSenior police officers reached the spot soon after the incident. Forensic experts examined the locations and collected evidence that could help establish the sequence of events.Investigators are expected to examine CCTV footage from the ICICI Bank area, call records and other digital evidence to establish Bajpai’s movements between the bank and his residence. Police are also investigating the couple’s marital dispute and any communication between the two before the shooting.The weapon used in the killings and other forensic evidence are also being examined as part of the investigation.Bajpai and Sheeba were reportedly living together in the rented accommodation. Their parents had died, according to information available so far.The police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding all three deaths, including the motive behind the killing of Divya, the subsequent shooting of Sheeba and Bajpai’s suicide. Further details are expected to emerge as the forensic examination and police investigation progress.
