Azamgarh tragedy: girl performs last rites of family of three

In Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, a shocking incident ended with three members of one family being cremated together on the same pyre. The victims were the accused, Arvind Singh, his wife, and his 10-year-old son. Since no male member survived, the accused's niece, Kumari Varsha, had to perform the last rites at Rajghat crematorium, a scene that moved everyone present.

The tragedy began when Arvind Singh murdered his wife and two priests, then took his children hostage. An 8-hour police operation followed. The accused shot his son dead, after which police used tear gas and stormed the house. In the ensuing encounter, Singh fired his licensed revolver and was killed in retaliatory firing by police. Two daughters were rescued, one injured, and are now hospitalised.

Social organisation 'Bharat Raksha Dal' helped with the cremation. Its president Harikesh Vikram Srivastava expressed concern that minor disputes are leading to such large-scale tragedies.