Police in Ghaziabad have arrested a 26-year-old man for the alleged murder of his 18-month-old stepdaughter. The horrific crime, which took place in the Khoda area, stemmed from repeated disputes between the accused and his wife over the child from her previous marriage.
Arrest After Days on the Run
The accused, identified as Anup Kumar Patel, a native of Chhapra in Bihar, was apprehended by police on Thursday. He was living with his wife and the toddler in Deepak Vihar, Khoda. According to officials, he was caught during a routine police check near Itwara Post Road after authorities received specific information about his location.
Patel had been absconding since Sunday, December 14, the day he allegedly committed the crime. A case under Section 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered based on a complaint filed by his wife on Tuesday. Following the registration of the case, a police hunt was launched, leading to his arrest several days later.
A Family Torn by Conflict
The investigation reveals a tragic domestic situation. The victim, an infant girl named Nasreen, was born from the wife's previous marriage. Her first husband had abandoned them, after which she married Anup Kumar Patel at a temple, and the three began living together.
However, the couple frequently argued over the child staying with them. Police stated that the tension was further exacerbated when the woman's mother advised her to leave Patel and remarry. These ongoing conflicts allegedly created a volatile environment in the household.
The Fatal Day and Ongoing Probe
The situation reached a breaking point on Sunday, December 14. After another argument, Patel allegedly killed the infant and immediately fled from their home in Deepak Vihar. The distraught mother subsequently approached the police, leading to the formal complaint.
Officials confirmed that the accused is currently being questioned and that further investigation is actively underway. Police are also verifying if Anup Kumar Patel has any prior criminal background. The case has sent shockwaves through the local community in Khoda, highlighting the severe consequences of domestic discord.
