Kanpur: Police on Thursday arrested Devkant Uttam, 44, a private hospital operator, his nephew Vivek Patel, 24, and security guard Ajit Singh for allegedly killing a 21-year-old woman from Unnao on May 21 and dumping her dead body in Bulandshahr.
Details of the Case
According to DCP Deependranath Chaudhary, Devkant Uttam was allegedly in a relationship with the woman for the past few months. However, a dispute arose as the deceased was pressuring him to marry her. The DCP informed that the two had physical relations, resulting in the woman becoming pregnant a few months back. On August 1, 2025, Devkant arranged an abortion at a hospital in Kalyanpur, Kanpur.
Blackmail and Complaint
The accused also possessed private photos of the woman, which he allegedly used to blackmail her into not breaking the relationship. The deceased had lodged a complaint of rape and physical exploitation against Devkant Uttam at Kotwali Unnao on May 19.
Conspiracy and Murder
Police said that after the complaint was filed, the accused hatched a conspiracy to eliminate the woman. On May 21, Devkant called the woman to Barra Bypass under the pretext of a discussion and took her for a ride in a Scorpio vehicle, accompanied by his nephew and the security guard. During the ride, the three allegedly strangled her with a rope, killing her.
Disposal of Body
Devkant then instructed his nephew and security guard to dispose of the body. The duo took the body to Jahangirabad in Bulandshahr district on May 22 and dumped it on the road in a naked condition. On May 23, police found the body of an unidentified woman. After no information was received, an autopsy was conducted, and final rites were performed on May 24.
Investigation and Arrest
On May 25, the victim's mother filed a missing complaint at Barra police station, accusing Uttam and his nephew of abducting her daughter. Police swung into action and detained the nephew, who confessed to the murder and dumping the body in Bulandshahr. The body was traced and identified by the deceased's family members.
Section 140(1) BNS was added to the case registered at Barra police station, along with existing BNS Sections 103(1)/238/61(2). The three accused were produced in court and sent to jail. Police also recovered the Scorpio car used in the crime.
