Chandauli (Uttar Pradesh): A 55-year-old woman, undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chandauli district’s Kamlapur was shot dead on Monday morning, the police said.

The accused was nabbed by people outside the hospital while fleeing. He was severely beaten up and handed him over to the police, PTI reported.

The victim had been identified as Laxmina Devi, a resident of Bhabua district in Bihar, Chandauli SP Akash Patel said. The motive behind the murder is yet to be ascertained but officials are not ruling out the possibility of it being a paid killing.

Laxmina had undergone surgery at the hospital under the Alinagar police station area following a leg fracture, the SP said.

Around 6.30 am on Monday, the suspect entered the hospital under the pretext of seeking medical treatment, Patel said. After collecting medication, he proceeded to the ward, placed a pistol against Laxmina’s temple, and shot her, resulting in the woman’s immediate death.

He then attempted to escape after firing another round in the air. However, the crowd gathered outside managed to apprehend him, Patel said.

A revolver was recovered from the accused, the SP said. Interrogation is currently underway to determine the motive behind the murder.

During questioning, the accused identified himself as Gurpreet, a resident of Amritsar. When asked about the purpose of his visit to Chandauli, the accused claimed that he had come to take up a job as a security guard, Patel said.

Laxmina’s body has been sent for an autopsy. The police will also speak to her family to know more about her background.