Police investigators in Lucknow have unearthed crucial background details behind the horrific double murder-suicide that left three dead in the state capital. Officials are now examining a decade-long history of marital discord and an alleged ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore divorce settlement demand. On Thursday, 38-year-old State Bank of India (SBI) employee Manas Vajpayee gunned down his estranged wife Divya Mishra outside her office in Gomti Nagar. After that, he shot his sister Tulika at their residence, and then killed himself.
A 10-Year Marital History Marked by Deep Cracks
The relationship between Manas and Divya began over a decade ago when they married with the blessing of both families. However, domestic friction began to surface around five years ago following a traumatic pregnancy loss.
In 2019, the death of Manas’s mother created further emotional strain between the couple. Divya, who worked as a relationship manager at ICICI Bank, eventually moved out of their matrimonial home to live with her parents in Alambagh.
Despite brief attempts at mediation, the couple lived separately for over a year, with both sides trading serious allegations in family court.
Alimony Battle and Mounting Financial Hostility
Police inquiries indicate that ongoing divorce proceedings became a flashpoint for intense hostility between the familis. During recent court appearances, Divya reportedly sought a one-time settlement of ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore as permanent alimony and maintenance.
Investigators believe this heavy financial demand placed immense psychological pressure on Manas.
Furthermore, phone records and witness testimonies show that frequent verbal confrontations occurred over legal terms and property division in the weeks preceding the incident.
Day of Carnage and the Hunt for Weapon Suppliers
The simmering conflict culminated in brutal violence when Manas ambushed Divya in the parking lot of her workplace, shooting her multiple times.
He subsequently returned home, locked the premises from inside, and fatally shot his younger sister Tulika before posting a chilling confession on WhatsApp and ending his own life.
Forensic teams recovered three illegal firearms from the crime scene, including two pistols and a revolver.
Consequently, Uttar Pradesh Police have widened their investigation to trace the weapon trail, questioning an associate lawyer from Sitapur who allegedly supplied the firearms.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
