A 30-year-old woman was shot dead by her husband on Wednesday night outside a photo studio in one of Gorakhpur’s busiest areas. The horrifying attack occurred around 8 p.m. on Jail Road in the Shahpur locality, triggering panic among onlookers.

The victim, identified as Mamta Chauhan, had visited the studio to have her photographs taken when the accused, Vishwakarma Chauhan, arrived on his motorcycle. Witnesses say he waited outside the shop before confronting her. An argument quickly escalated into a physical scuffle, during which he pulled out a country-made pistol hidden in his helmet and fired at her.

“I was very troubled by her,” Vishwakarma reportedly repeated while remaining at the scene after the shooting, according to eyewitness accounts. He did not attempt to flee immediately and stood near the body for nearly 25 minutes until police arrived and detained him.

Mamta was rushed by locals to Vinayak Hospital, but doctors declared her dead upon arrival. She had sustained gunshot wounds to her chest and hand. The tragic scene unfolded in full view of bystanders, many of whom were left stunned by the brutality of the act.

Couple Married for 15 Years

Police officials revealed that the couple had been married for 15 years, but had been living separately for the past one and a half years due to a prolonged dispute over property. The relationship had reportedly been strained for over a decade.

Mamta lived with her 13-year-old daughter in a rented room near Geeta Vatika in the Shahpur area and was employed at a private firm on Bank Road. Her parental home is located in Khajni. Vishwakarma, meanwhile, was staying alone in a rented accommodation on Jail Road.

Investigation Ongoing

Confirming the incident, SHO Neeraj Rai of Shahpur police station said, “An investigation is underway.” He added that Vishwakarma is in custody and is currently being interrogated.

The murder has shocked the local community and reignited concerns around domestic violence and the unchecked use of illegal firearms.