Lucknow: The family of bank officer Divya Mishra disputed claims circulating online that she sought Rs 1.5 crore as alimony from her estranged husband Manas Bajpayee, saying the amount referred to in the matrimonial proceedings, if any, was related to her ‘stridhan’ (dowry) and not permanent alimony. The family urged investigators to examine how Manas, who shot Divya before killing his sister and himself, came to possess three firearms.Police continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Aug 20 killings, including the couple’s strained relationship, their ongoing divorce proceedings and the financial issues raised.In a long note posted on X on Sunday, Divya’s sister Pragya Mishra said the Rs 1.5 crore figure was described incorrectly as “alimony” and explained that stridhan refers to property, jewellery and gifts belonging to a woman, while permanent alimony is a separate relief.She claimed Divya’s divorce proceedings only reached the mediation/counselling stage and she submitted photographs and bills to establish ownership of her jewellery and other articles.The family said it did not know the exact amount of ‘stridhan’ claimed in the proceedings and did not provide documentary details of the ₹1.5 crore claim.Police are examining the matrimonial proceedings and the financial dispute to know the circumstances that preceded the killings.Police recovered three firearms from Manas’s residence — two pistols and a country-made firearm. Ballistic and forensic tests will establish which weapon was used in which shooting.Divya’s sister asked how Manas, a bank employee, obtained multiple firearms and whether investigators could establish whether anyone supplied or helped him procure the weapons, or whether whether they were acquired specifically for the crime.These questions, part of the family’s concerns, have not so far established involvement of any third person. Police are investigating Manas’s movements, contacts and digital records to reconstruct the sequence of events.The family questioned how long it took Manas to commute from Divya’s workplace to his residence after the shooting and whether he stopped anywhere or met anyone.Another issue raised is the WhatsApp status posted by Manas, in which he accused Divya of “cheating”, as her family questioned whether the message was written by Manas and whether the allegation was his actual belief or intended to create a particular narrative.Police are examining digital evidence too. The family’s questions have not been established independently.The family asked investigators to rule out presence of another person at Manas’s residence when his sister Sheeba was shot and whether there were any alternate entry or exit routes.Police worked out the sequence in which Manas shot Divya outside her workplace before returning home, where his sister Sheeba was found dead along with him. CCTV footage, forensic evidence, ballistic examination, electronic records and the movements of those involved are being examined.The family said it should not be an “open and shut” case and questions of Manas’s movements and WhatsApp status must be answered.They also questioned Manas’s mental state, his history of domestic discord and matrimonial dispute and if it was exploited or influenced by someone.
