Kushinagar (UP), May 14 : A shocking case of murder and suicide in Uttar Pradeshâ??s Kushinagar left the entire region stunned after villagers heard three successive gunshots coming from a locked room and later discovered an 18-year-old girl and her brother-in-law lying in a pool of blood.

The incident occurred in Basdila Buzurg village under the Tamkuhi Raj police station area on Wednesday morning.

Police suspect the incident is linked to an alleged romantic relationship and obsessive behaviour. Preliminary investigation indicates that the man allegedly shot his sister-in-law before turning the weapon on himself.

The deceased man has been identified as 25-year-old Jitendra Prajapati, a resident of the Uchkagaon police station area in Biharâ??s Gopalganj district. The deceased girl was identified as Naina, his sister-in-law.

According to police officials, Jitendra had married Nainaâ??s elder sister, Baby, nearly a year ago. Following the marriage, he frequently visited his in-lawsâ?? house in Basdila Buzurg village. During this period, he reportedly developed a close relationship with Naina and allegedly became deeply attached to her.

Family members told investigators that Jitendra had become obsessed with Naina and had allegedly been pressuring the family over his desire to marry her.

Police said Jitendra had arrived at his in-lawsâ?? residence on Tuesday evening and stayed there overnight. On Wednesday morning, around 9 A.M., Naina reportedly went to his room to serve breakfast. Investigators said that soon after she entered, Jitendra locked the room from inside.

A heated argument allegedly broke out between the two shortly afterwards. Hearing loud voices and commotion from inside the room, family members rushed towards the door and began asking them to open it. Moments later, a gunshot was heard. Within a short span, two more gunshots rang out, triggering panic across the village.

Villagers gathered outside the house while local police from the Tamkuhi Raj police station rushed to the scene after receiving information about the incident.

Police personnel broke open the locked door and found both Jitendra and Naina lying inside the room with severe gunshot injuries. A .312 bore country-made pistol was also recovered from the spot.

Officials said Naina had sustained bullet injuries to her forehead and chest, while Jitendra was found with a gunshot wound to his temple.

The police immediately secured the area and sent both bodies for post-mortem examination. A forensic team was also called to the spot to collect evidence and assist in the investigation.

According to family members and villagers, Naina was a bright student pursuing her high school education. She also taught children at a private school as a tutor and was known in the area for her academic abilities.

The incident has left the family devastated and created an atmosphere of shock and grief in the village.

Police said the mobile phones of both the deceased have been seized and are being examined as part of the investigation. Officials added that the case is being probed from every possible angle to establish the complete sequence of events leading to the deaths.

/IANS