Varanasi Police Arrest 24-Year-Old for Alleged Murder of Friend Over Cow Meat Incident
In a shocking case from Uttar Pradesh, the Varanasi police have apprehended a 24-year-old man for the alleged murder of his friend, whose body was discovered in a field earlier this month. The accused, identified as Virendra Yadav, has confessed to killing his former colleague, 28-year-old Aftab Alam, citing severe humiliation stemming from an incident where he was reportedly deceived into consuming cow meat.
Discovery of the Body and Initial Investigation
On January 8, 2026, authorities received a tip-off about an unidentified male body lying near a pond in Mahagaon Madai village. A police team swiftly arrived at the scene and recovered the corpse, which exhibited visible signs of trauma, including blood from the mouth and nose. During a thorough search of the area, investigators found a bag containing crucial identification documents.
Key evidence recovered included:
- An identity card bearing the name Aftab Alam, son of Kalamuddin
- Details linking him to his employer, Siddharth Automatic India Private Limited
The deceased was later confirmed to be a resident of Chapra in Bihar. After completing the necessary inquest formalities, the body was sent for an autopsy and subsequently handed over to the grieving family, who conducted the last rites in their native village.
Suspicious Financial Transactions and Family's Complaint
The investigation took a significant turn on January 21 when the victim's family approached the Sindhaura police station in Varanasi. They expressed strong suspicions of foul play, highlighting unusual financial activities from Aftab's bank account. According to police statements, a transfer of Rs 40,000 was made via UPI to Virendra's account on January 8, the very day the body was discovered.
Based on the family's formal complaint, law enforcement officials registered a murder case and launched a comprehensive probe. Assistant Commissioner of Police Prateek Kumar stated that these financial irregularities provided a critical lead in the investigation.
Arrest and Interrogation of the Prime Suspect
Following intensive investigative efforts, police identified Virendra Yadav, a resident of Laskarpur village under the Cholapur police station jurisdiction in Varanasi, as the primary suspect. He was taken into custody on January 25.
During interrogation, Virendra revealed that he and Aftab had previously lived and worked together as helpers at a Bengaluru-based company. He alleged that in September of the previous year, Aftab had tricked him into eating meat and later disclosed this incident to others, resulting in widespread ridicule and profound humiliation.
"The accused claimed that this ongoing humiliation ultimately drove him to meticulously plan the murder," explained ACP Kumar, detailing the motive behind the gruesome crime.
Detailed Account of the Murder
According to the police investigation, on January 7, while Aftab was traveling from Chapra to Chennai for work, he made a stop in Varanasi to meet Virendra. From the railway station, Virendra escorted him to a secluded area in Mahagaon under the pretense of taking him home. It was there that the accused allegedly strangled Aftab with a rope before callously dumping his body in a nearby field.
Based on Virendra's disclosures, police successfully recovered several crucial items from the crime scene:
- The rope used in the murder
- The victim's Aadhaar card
- ATM card
- Mobile phone
- PAN card
- Company employee ID
- Contractor ID card
Authorities have confirmed that efforts are currently underway to apprehend a second individual believed to be involved in this heinous crime.
Family's Rejection of Accused's Claims and Criminal History
The victim's family has vehemently rejected Virendra's version of events. Aftab's father, Kalamuddin, has alleged that the murder was financially motivated, stating, "The allegations made by the accused are completely false. He is trying to divert attention and save himself."
Further investigation has revealed that Virendra Yadav has a significant criminal history. Multiple cases are registered against him at the Cholapur police station, including charges of murder, attempt to murder, violations under the Arms Act, and offenses under the Gangsters Act.
This case continues to unfold as police delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding Aftab Alam's tragic death, balancing the accused's claims of humiliation with the family's allegations of financial motives.
