A 25-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife within three months of their love marriage and attempting to burn her body to destroy evidence in Dadri last week. The body of Monika Nagar (22) was found half-burnt on an isolated plot in Dadri on May 7. According to police, her husband Anuj Chauhan, along with his parents and a neighbor, transported her body in a car and set it on fire after hiding it in a pile of cow dung.
Background of the Marriage
Monika and Anuj had a court marriage on February 17 after being in a relationship for some time. Both families were aware of the match, police said. However, Monika's family later alleged that she was being assaulted by her husband and in-laws over a piece of land worth around Rs 3 crore that was in her name.
Allegations of Abuse
Monika's mother, Renu Nagar, said Monika called around 2:50 pm on the day of the murder, May 7, saying she was being assaulted. Her brother also told police that Monika had called twice that day in distress and said she was being forced to transfer her share of family property. When relatives reached Anuj's house in the evening, they allegedly saw Monika's body being loaded into a black Fortuner.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Police said Anuj, a resident of Ghodi Baccheda village, was arrested during a special operation with the help of electronic surveillance. The SUV allegedly used to transport Monika's body was also seized. Following a complaint by the family, a case was registered under BNS sections 103 (murder), 238 (causing disappearance of evidence), and 109 (attempt to murder) against seven accused, including Anuj, his parents, younger brother, uncle, aunt, and neighbor Karan Rawal alias Kannu (22), who was arrested earlier.
Confession and Autopsy Details
During questioning, police said, Anuj admitted he had argued with Monika after she said she wanted to visit her parental home. He claimed he was later told by family members that she had hanged herself in her room and that she was declared dead at a hospital. He allegedly said villagers then advised him to burn the body. The autopsy could not determine the cause of death because the body had been burnt. However, viscera samples were preserved for forensic examination.
