Jaipur: Sriganganagar Police Unravel Murder Plot, Arrest Four Including Wife and Boyfriend
In a shocking development from Rajasthan, the Sriganganagar police on Tuesday arrested four individuals, including a 23-year-old woman and her alleged boyfriend, for the brutal murder of her 25-year-old husband. The case, which was initially misreported as a hit-and-run accident, collapsed under meticulous forensic and on-ground investigation, exposing a premeditated homicide.
Initial Claims and Investigative Doubts
Superintendent of Police Amrita Duhan identified the accused as Anju, the victim's wife; Sanjay alias Sanju (25), her alleged boyfriend; and his accomplices Rohit and Badal. The victim was Ashish Kumar (25). The incident came to light on January 31 when Ashish's brother reported to authorities that Ashish had been run over by an unidentified vehicle while walking with Anju on January 30.
However, Duhan stated that this claim immediately raised red flags. The accident spot did not support a vehicular impact, and investigators found no compelling evidence consistent with a hit-and-run scenario. During questioning, Anju's account repeatedly changed, she faltered on key details, and claimed she lost consciousness multiple times, further deepening suspicions.
Forensic Evidence and Homicide Revelation
Anju also alleged that unidentified assailants robbed her jewellery after the supposed accident, a claim that police said conflicted with the accident narrative. The turning point came with the post-mortem report, which flagged multiple injuries and clear indications of strangulation. This prompted police to reclassify the death as a homicide and launch a full-scale murder investigation.
Background and Murder Plot
Investigators revealed that Ashish and Anju had married only about three months ago, and Anju was reportedly unhappy with the marriage. She returned to her parental home in Sadulshahar within days, where she reconnected with Sanjay and allegedly planned Ashish's murder with the intention of marrying Sanjay. Police said Anju later returned to her in-laws' home and resumed living with Ashish.
Knowing that Ashish routinely went for a walk after dinner, she began accompanying him. On January 31, police allege, she contacted Sanjay and finalised the murder plan. That evening, Sanjay arrived with Rohit and Badal, and acting on Anju's instructions, the men hid in bushes along a deserted stretch.
Execution of the Crime
When Anju took Ashish for his post-dinner walk, she allegedly led him to the prearranged spot, kept him engaged in conversation, and then signalled the attackers. The men struck Ashish on the head with sticks, knocking him unconscious. Finding he was still alive, they allegedly strangled him to death and fled the scene.
Police said Anju handed over Ashish's mobile phone and the earrings she was wearing to the accused before sending them away. She then informed her in-laws that Ashish had died in a road accident, attempting to maintain the hit-and-run facade.
Police Action and Ongoing Probe
The Sriganganagar police, led by SP Amrita Duhan, acted swiftly on the forensic evidence and inconsistencies in Anju's story, leading to the arrests. All four accused are now in custody, and the investigation is ongoing to uncover further details and motives behind this gruesome crime. This case highlights the critical role of forensic science and diligent police work in solving complex criminal cases in India.
