A 47-year-old woman was gunned down in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, shortly after attending a court hearing related to a maintenance dispute with her estranged husband. Authorities have identified her husband as the primary suspect in the case, intensifying the search for his whereabouts.
The victim, identified as Manju, was reportedly returning home on Friday following a legal proceeding concerning her demand for financial maintenance from her husband, Manoj, when she was fatally shot in the Fatehabad area of Agra district. The couple had been embroiled in a legal battle for spousal support after what police described as a strained marriage spanning nearly 15 years.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Amardeep confirmed the fatal incident, stating, “Preliminary investigations point towards the husband as the main suspect. A manhunt is currently underway to locate him. We have recovered crucial details about their troubled relationship and the court proceedings that preceded this tragic event.”
Police sources said Manju had been seeking regular maintenance from her husband under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which allows a legally wedded spouse to seek financial support if they are unable to sustain themselves. This section is often invoked by women who have been abandoned, neglected, or abused by their husbands.
According to officials, the shooting appears to have been targeted, raising concerns about the safety of women involved in domestic legal proceedings. “The fact that she was attacked right after leaving the court suggests premeditation,” said an officer involved in the investigation.
Law enforcement personnel immediately sealed off the area and began reviewing CCTV footage and eyewitness testimonies to piece together the events leading up to the murder. The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause and nature of death.
While the husband remains at large, officials are also looking into whether he may have had accomplices or used a hired shooter to carry out the crime. The victim’s family has been cooperating with investigators and has urged the authorities to ensure swift justice.
This incident adds to a growing list of cases where women pursuing legal recourse in domestic disputes have faced violent retaliation. Women’s rights advocates have called on authorities to provide better security measures for those involved in family court proceedings, especially in volatile or abusive situations.
As police continue their investigation, local leaders and community groups have expressed outrage over the murder, urging swift legal action and stronger safeguards for women seeking justice in family courts.
