OTP Message Cracks Mysterious 'Murder' Case in Uttar Pradesh
In a startling turn of events, a One-Time Password (OTP) alert for an Aadhaar card modification helped police in Uttar Pradesh's Basti district unravel what was initially believed to be a gruesome murder case, only to discover that no crime had occurred. The incident, which began in 2024, concluded with the alleged victim found alive and well in Rajasthan, living with another man.
Trader's Grave Allegations in 2024
The case dates back to November 4, 2024, when Sandeep Kumar, a 35-year-old trader from Basti's Paikolia, lodged a police complaint. He claimed that his wife had left their home, taking her jewellery and their young son, and had not returned. Suspecting foul play, Sandeep accused his in-laws of allegedly murdering his wife and son and disposing of their bodies in a river. Based on his allegations, authorities registered a case under charges of murder and causing the disappearance of evidence.
Police launched an extensive investigation, conducting searches, questioning multiple individuals, and executing raids. However, they struggled to establish a motive for the supposed crime and made no progress in locating the missing persons. The case seemed to hit a dead end until a crucial breakthrough emerged two years later.
OTP Alert Provides Critical Lead
In early 2026, Sandeep received an OTP message on his mobile phone, alerting him to an attempt to modify the details linked to his wife's Aadhaar card. Since his number was registered with the card, he immediately informed the police. Station House Officer (SHO) Atul Srivastava of the Captainganj police station explained that the OTP indicated someone was trying to update the Aadhaar information.
"Based on the updated information reflected on the Aadhaar card, we intensified our investigation," said SHO Srivastava. Using technical surveillance, police traced the mobile number used for the modification attempt to Sikar district in Rajasthan. Acting on instructions from senior officials, a police team was dispatched to follow the lead.
Shocking Discovery in Rajasthan
What the police team found in Sikar left them astonished. Sandeep's wife, aged 29, was alive and living with another man. She was brought back to Basti along with her two sons—a five-year-old from her marriage to Sandeep and a three-month-old infant from her new relationship.
During questioning, the woman revealed a different story. She stated that she had no desire to live with Sandeep, alleging he showed little concern for her or her needs. In distress, she went to her parents' home in Pilkhanv with her son in 2024. On July 1, 2024, she left with the intention of ending her life, traveling to Ayodhya where she attempted to jump in front of a vehicle.
However, she was rescued by a man from Rajasthan, who earns a livelihood through odd jobs. He took her to his home, and they began living together. She later gave birth to a son, now three months old. The woman expressed her wish to remain with the Rajasthan man of her own free will and not return to her husband.
Aadhaar Update for School Enrollment
Regarding the Aadhaar card modification, police clarified that the woman had attempted to update the details to enroll her son in school. "Since the woman was physically present at the centre where the Aadhaar details were being updated, the changes were carried out without requiring an OTP," SHO Srivastava noted. This procedural oversight led to the OTP being sent to Sandeep's registered number, inadvertently providing the clue that cracked the case.
As for Sandeep, he expressed deep concern for his son's future, stating he wants the child back but claimed his wife is unwilling to hand him over. The case has now shifted from a murder investigation to a domestic and legal matter, highlighting the unexpected role of digital alerts in resolving complex situations.
