Tragic Double Murder-Suicide Shakes Lucknow Community

A tragic incident in Lucknow has left the community reeling after a bank employee allegedly shot his estranged wife outside her workplace, returned home to kill his sister, and then took his own life. The shocking events unfolded in the upscale Gomti Nagar area, raising questions about the circumstances leading to this devastating act. Eyewitness accounts and police investigations reveal a complex narrative involving marital strife and mental health issues. As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 20, 2026, 16:58 IST

Incident Overview

Photo: @ians_india/X

Lucknow, August 20: A disturbing case of alleged double murder followed by suicide has left the Lucknow community in shock. A bank employee reportedly shot his estranged wife outside her workplace, then returned home to kill his sister before taking his own life.

Details of the Incident

The suspect, identified as Manas Vajpayee, who worked at the State Bank of India, allegedly shot his wife, Divya Mishra, outside an ICICI Bank branch located in the affluent Gomti Nagar area around noon. Eyewitnesses and police reports indicate that the 38-year-old Vajpayee called Mishra outside the bank for a brief conversation before he opened fire and fled the scene.

Mishra was quickly transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival. The couple had been married for approximately 12 years but had been living apart for over a year, with Mishra reportedly filing for divorce last year.

Police Investigation

According to DCP, East, Dr. Diksha Sharma, police first received reports of a woman being shot in the Gomti Nagar area. While responding to this incident, they were alerted to another situation involving a man who had allegedly killed his sister and subsequently committed suicide.

It was later confirmed that Manas Vajpayee was the individual responsible for both the murder of his wife and sister before taking his own life. Reports indicate that he shot his 28-year-old sister, Shiva Vajpayee, at their home before turning the gun on himself. She was reportedly struggling with mental health issues.

Authorities recovered three firearms from the residence.

Final Messages and Community Reaction

In a chilling twist, before taking his life, Vajpayee posted a WhatsApp status declaring his actions: "Today I killed my wife who cheated on me. Now I have to kill myself and my sister, her sister Pragya, and everything."

A local shopkeeper noted that Vajpayee returned home around 12:30 p.m., appearing frantic and sweating heavily. He reportedly went inside and played the Hanuman Chalisa. The neighbor later discovered Vajpayee's WhatsApp status and found him dead inside the house.

Following the shooting, Mishra's sister, Pragya, took to social media to express her distress, stating she had learned of her sister's shooting and urged people to pray for her.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are currently investigating the events leading up to the tragic murders and the subsequent suicide.