In a shocking crime that has stunned Jhansi, a 40-year-old woman, celebrated as the city's first female autorickshaw driver, was found dead from a gunshot wound near her vehicle. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday on Station Road, under the jurisdiction of Nawabad police station.
A Trailblazer Silenced: The Life of Anita Chaudhary
The victim has been identified as Anita Chaudhary, a resident of Talpura. She had taken up driving an auto in 2021 to support her family and her three children during the financial hardships of the Covid-19 pandemic. Known for her courage, she predominantly worked night shifts, picking up passengers from the railway station.
Her pioneering spirit was officially recognized in December 2021, when the then DIG of Jhansi range, Jogendra Chaudhary, felicitated her for her determination. On the fateful night, she had left her home around 10:30 PM for her regular night shift, a routine that ended in tragedy.
Jhansi Senior Superintendent of Police, BBGTS Murthy, stated that police received a Dial 112 call shortly after midnight reporting an injured woman. She was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead by doctors.
From Robbery Allegation to a Story of Betrayal
Initially, Anita's sister, Vinita, alleged that she was shot during a robbery attempt. She named a suspect and claimed there had been a prior altercation. She also stated that a friend accompanying Anita witnessed the attack but fled in panic.
However, police investigations unveiled a more personal and sinister motive. Based on a complaint filed by Anita's husband, an FIR for murder was registered against Mukesh Jha and his associates Manoj Jha and Shivam Jha. Police swiftly arrested Manoj and Shivam, while Mukesh Jha absconded. A reward of Rs 25,000 was announced for information leading to his capture.
Preeti Singh, Superintendent of Police (City), revealed that the probe found Anita Chaudhary and Mukesh Jha were in a relationship six to seven years ago and had even married, but the union did not last. Police sources said Jha, unable to accept the separation and feeling betrayed, meticulously planned her murder. He allegedly chose to execute the plan on the night of their wedding anniversary. Investigators believe he shot her while she was driving her autorickshaw during her shift.
Police Encounter and Ongoing Probe
The manhunt for Mukesh Jha ended dramatically days later. Police found his abandoned Ignis car on the Notghat bridge over the Betwa River. He was later confronted on a dirt road between Bhagwantpura and Karguan.
Officials reported that when police tried to stop him, Jha opened fire at the officers. In the retaliatory firing, a bullet hit Jha in the leg. He was overpowered and taken to a medical college for treatment. Police recovered a pistol and cartridges from his possession.
SSP Murthy confirmed that the postmortem was conducted by a panel of doctors and the procedure was videographed. The investigation into the case continues as police piece together the final details of this tragic story of a trailblazing woman whose life was cut short.
