Dehradun Man Arrested in Uttar Pradesh for Murder of AIIMS Rishikesh Worker
A 40-year-old resident of Dehradun was apprehended by police in Uttar Pradesh on Monday, just two days after he allegedly shot and killed his lover, a contractual worker employed at AIIMS Rishikesh. The tragic incident occurred at the victim's rented accommodation in Haridwar, sparking a swift investigation that led to the arrest.
Background of the Relationship and Dispute
According to police reports, Suresh Gupta and Preeti Rawat had been involved in a romantic relationship for approximately three years. Their connection began when Rawat, a native of Yamkeshwar in Pauri Garhwal district, was working at a local shop in Rishikesh's Shivaji Nagar area, where she met Gupta, a married man from Laksar in Haridwar district.
Gupta, who had been residing in Dehradun, took a significant step in their relationship by divorcing his wife around four months ago, with the clear intention of marrying Rawat. To fulfill a condition set by Rawat and her family for the marriage, he sold his ancestral property in Laksar to raise funds for purchasing a house in Rishikesh.
However, financial difficulties prevented Gupta from buying the house, leading to frequent and escalating disputes between the couple. This tension ultimately culminated in the fatal shooting, as confirmed by authorities.
Victim's Personal Life and Police Investigation
Preeti Rawat had previously been married and has an eight-year-old child from that marriage. While she worked at AIIMS Rishikesh, her child lived with her parents, highlighting the complexities of her personal circumstances.
ASP Dehradun Purnima Garg provided details to the media, stating, "Gupta had been absconding since the shooting, and police traced him to Chutmalpur in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh on Monday morning. He shot dead Preeti following a relationship dispute. Further investigation is underway."
Prior to the arrest, police had registered a murder case against Gupta based on a complaint filed by the victim's father. The father alleged that the accused had been pressuring his daughter despite her refusal, adding another layer to the ongoing investigation into this harrowing crime.
