In a significant breakthrough, Alwar police have successfully solved a murder case that remained unresolved for nearly a year, culminating in the arrest of the victim's wife and nephew. The investigation took a decisive turn after a viscera report conclusively confirmed poisoning as the cause of death, officials disclosed on Wednesday.
Unraveling the Mystery of Shankar Singh's Death
The case dates back to February 16 last year when Shankar Singh was discovered dead inside his residence in Bhaisakh village. From the outset, police harbored suspicions of foul play, particularly after learning that his wife, Ruby, had subsequently married his nephew, Harendra. This unusual development raised immediate red flags, prompting a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding Singh's demise.
Initial Investigation and Forensic Challenges
Investigators faced initial hurdles as the post-mortem examination failed to pinpoint a clear cause of death. With no definitive answers from the autopsy, authorities opted to await the viscera report to steer their investigation. Viscera samples, which consist of internal organs collected during post-mortems in suspected unnatural deaths, are crucial for detecting substances like poison or alcohol that might not be visible during standard autopsies.
An official involved in the case revealed that forensic analysis eventually detected traces of both poison and alcohol in the viscera samples. This critical finding provided the necessary evidence to intensify the inquiry, leading police to question Ruby and Harendra as prime suspects.
Confession and Reconstruction of Events
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement. According to police statements, Ruby and Harendra took Singh to a farmland on February 15, where they purportedly offered him alcohol laced with pesticide. After returning home, Singh's health rapidly deteriorated; he complained of severe stomach pain and nausea before succumbing the following day.
Initially, Ruby had claimed ignorance regarding the sudden decline in her husband's condition. However, investigators noted that Singh had no prior history of serious illness, further corroborating suspicions of external foul play. Despite an earlier search of the residence that yielded no suspicious findings, the forensic report's confirmation of poisoning proved instrumental in making the arrests.
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
Following the forensic confirmation, police teams swiftly apprehended the accused. Additionally, investigators visited the location where the victim allegedly consumed the contaminated liquor to gather further evidence and reconstruct the crime scene. This meticulous approach underscores the police's commitment to building a robust case against the suspects.
The resolution of this nearly year-old case highlights the pivotal role of forensic science in modern criminal investigations, especially in instances where initial autopsies prove inconclusive. As the legal proceedings advance, authorities remain focused on ensuring justice for Shankar Singh through a thorough examination of all evidence.