In a significant breakthrough, Jhansi police apprehended the main accused in the murder of the city's first woman auto-rickshaw driver following a brief exchange of fire on Friday night. The accused, identified as Mukesh Jha, sustained gunshot injuries to his leg during the encounter and is currently undergoing treatment.
The Encounter and Arrest
Acting on a specific tip-off, police received information that Mukesh Jha was spotted near Bhagwantpura road. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), City, Priti Singh, stated that when a police team approached him, Jha opened fire. The police team retaliated in self-defence, resulting in Jha being hit in the leg. He was immediately taken to Jhansi Medical College for treatment. "The key accused, Mukesh Jha, was arrested after a brief encounter. Further action will be taken as per the law," SSP Singh confirmed.
Background of the Crime and Motive
Investigations reveal a complex personal relationship behind the brutal crime. Mukesh Jha, who ran a hotel in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, had been in a relationship with the victim, Anita Chaudhary, for approximately seven years. The couple had even started living together. However, Chaudhary later distanced herself from Jha, leading to frequent altercations. This separation allegedly fostered a deep grudge in Jha's mind.
Police records indicate Jha had a history of violence and was previously caught with an illegal firearm. He also had regular fights with Anita. The murder came to light on January 5, when Anita was found dead in a pool of blood, with her auto-rickshaw toppled on Station Road. While initial investigations suggested an accidental death, the post-mortem report confirmed bullet injuries on her neck, establishing it as a murder.
The Manhunt and a Symbol Lost
Following the murder, police registered a case against Mukesh Jha, his son Shivam, and brother-in-law Manoj. While Shivam and Manoj were arrested earlier, Mukesh managed to escape. A reward of Rs 25,000 was announced for information leading to his capture. In an attempt to mislead investigators, Jha abandoned his car, mobile phone, and a gun near the banks of the Betwa river, prompting police to search the river with divers under the assumption he may have died by suicide.
The victim, Anita Chaudhary, was not just an auto driver but a local icon of women's empowerment. She began driving an auto-rickshaw in 2021 and was felicitated multiple times by the local administration and various social groups. Former DIG Range, Joginder Kumar, had once honoured her by taking a ride in her auto. To manage her household work during the day, she typically operated her vehicle on the night shift, often ferrying passengers from the Jhansi railway station. Her tragic death has cut short the journey of a pioneering figure in the city.
