Agra: A 52-year-old man and his 27-year-old accomplice have been arrested four years after allegedly strangling his wife and burying her body in a field in Hathras. The woman went missing in 2022, police said on Saturday.
Background of the Case
ASP Shwetabh Pandey said Chandravati Kumari, 48, went missing on February 15, 2022. Her brother, Vinesh Kumar, filed a complaint at Awagarh police station after she failed to return home. According to the complaint, Chandravati’s husband, Manjesh Kumar, took her on the pretext of visiting her sister in the Jalesar area of Etah.
Manjesh returned home alone the next day and allegedly told their five daughters that their mother left after an argument. Despite an investigation, police could not trace Kumari, and the case remained unsolved.
Breakthrough in Investigation
Officers said a recent review of long-pending cases revealed discrepancies between Manjesh’s earlier statements and his latest version of events. During interrogation, Manjesh revealed that he suspected his wife, who worked as a domestic helper in Kasganj, of having a relationship with another man. He then allegedly conspired with his associate, Saudan Singh, to kill her.
On the day of the incident, the trio traveled from Jalesar to Sikandra Rao in Hathras and later reached the Hasayan area. Near the Ishan river, Manjesh and Saudan allegedly strangled Chandravati and buried her body in a pit that had been dug in advance.
Recovery of Remains
Following the confession, police excavated the site and recovered skeletal remains, including parts of the skull, spine, and leg bones, along with clothing and a black-thread locket believed to belong to the victim. The remains have been sent for forensic and DNA examination to establish identity.
Both accused were arrested under IPC Sections 302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) and sent to judicial custody.
