Three Killed in Fatehpur After Violent Family Dispute Over Minor Girl's Custody
A horrific incident unfolded in the Bindki police station area of Fatehpur district on Sunday night, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The accused, identified as Deepak Soni, allegedly crushed to death two of his relatives and their friend who were pursuing him on motorcycles. This tragic event stemmed from a prolonged family dispute concerning the custody of a minor girl.
Panchayat Meeting Fails to Resolve Custody Battle
The violence erupted following a panchayat held at the Jonika police outpost earlier that evening. Police had summoned family members to mediate the custody issue. According to Superintendent of Police Abhimanyu Manglik, the dispute began when Anju Soni of Kanpur filed a complaint on April 9, alleging that her minor stepdaughter had been kidnapped by her sister-in-law, Geeta Soni of Bindki.
The minor girl's mother passed away in 2021, after which she had been residing with her aunt, Anju. However, three years ago, Shashi, Geeta's daughter, brought the girl to their home in Faridpur, Bindki. The panchayat discussions failed to reach a resolution, prompting police to advise the parties to pursue the matter in court.
Deadly Chase and Fatal Collision
After the meeting, Shashi and her husband Deepak, along with the minor girl, departed for their home in a car. Deepak later left for his shop after dropping them off. It was during this journey that Deepak noticed three individuals—Manoj Soni (the girl's maternal uncle) and his friends Satyavan and Anu Sonkar—chasing him on motorcycles.
Deepak claimed that the pursuers attacked his car with a stone and attempted to stop him. In his effort to escape, Deepak's vehicle collided with their motorcycles. The impact proved fatal: Manoj and Anu died instantly at the scene, while Satyavan later succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Additionally, the car struck another motorcycle, injuring a couple and their two children.
Police Investigation and Custody
Superintendent of Police Abhimanyu Manglik confirmed that Deepak Soni has been taken into custody. The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events and the motivations behind the chase. Authorities are examining all aspects of the case, including the initial custody dispute and the circumstances leading to the fatal collision.
This incident highlights the severe consequences that can arise from unresolved family conflicts, particularly those involving vulnerable minors. The community in Fatehpur is in shock, and police are urging calm as they proceed with their inquiries.
