A workplace shooting in Lucknow opens a trail of family tragedy

A tragic event took place in Lucknow on Thursday when a relationship manager at an ICICI Bank branch in Gomti Nagar was reportedly shot and killed by her husband outside her workplace. The accused, identified as Manav Bajpai, a nationalised bank employee, killed his wife, who worked at a private bank, outside her office.
He then reportedly shot himself and his sister at their rented home in Gomti Nagar on Thursday afternoon. Lucknow Police have confirmed the order of events and are looking into the circumstances of the three deaths.

Police say the incident began around 12:15 pm near the ICICI Bank branch in Vivek Khand, under the jurisdiction of the Gomti Nagar police station. Divya Mishra, about 36 or 37 years old, worked as a relationship manager at the branch for three to four years. She had just come back from a client meeting and was in or near her car when her husband Manav Bajpai approached. He had reportedly been waiting nearby in an autorickshaw. After a short exchange, he reportedly shot her. She was taken to a hospital but was declared dead.

The accused Manas Bajpai, about 38 years old worked as a senior assistant or field officer at the State Bank of India. After the shooting at the bank, he left the scene and was later found at a rented house in the Husaria area, about 2.5 km away. Police say he then shot his younger sister, Sheeba Bajpai (also known as Tulika or Sheeba), before taking his own life. 

All three died from gunshot wounds.) Amol Murkut and Joint Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Bablu Kumar visited the scenes. Forensic teams examined both locations, and multiple police teams have been formed to probe the case, including analysis of CCTV footage.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the couple had been having marital problems. They had lived apart for about a year, and divorce proceedings were ongoing in a local family court after Divya Mishra filed for divorce. The couple had been married for about 12 years and had no children. Manas Bajpai’s parents had died earlier, and reports say his sister had been unwell.

A WhatsApp status message, reportedly posted by the accused after the first shooting, has become a focus in the investigation. In the message, he claimed responsibility for killing his wife, accused her of infidelity, and said he planned to kill his sister and himself. The status also mentioned Divya Mishra’s sister, Pragya Mishra (a YouTuber), and another person named Bharat. Police are checking whether the message is genuine and reviewing its contents as part of their investigation. 

The claims in the message have not been independently confirmed. Soon after the shooting at the bank, Pragya Mishra posted on social media to express concern after hearing about the incident.

Police recovered weapons from the second crime scene. They are still investigating the exact movements between the two locations, the couple’s marital history, and any other possible factors.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination. Authorities have called the events a tragic case caused by domestic problems, and more details are expected as the investigation continues. The incident has shocked the upscale Gomti Nagar neighbourhood, and police are still present at both locations.