Prayagraj: Three elderly members of a family, including two women, were found murdered outside their home in the Meja area of Prayagraj on Tuesday morning, police said. Police later arrested one accused, who was reportedly mounting pressure on the family to solemnise the marriage of the girl of the family with him.
Victims Identified
The deceased were identified as Shyam Lal alias Kalloo, 65, and his two sisters-in-law, Amravati Devi, 58, and Indravati Devi, 60. The killers, however, spared Shyam Lal’s wife Phoolkali, who is reportedly mentally ill.
Details of the Incident
All three bodies were lying near the doorstep of the house and bore serious head injuries. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Yamuna Nagar) Vivek Chandra Yadav told Times of India that preliminary investigations suggest that the victims were killed after being struck on the head with a blunt object.
Family members named their neighbour, Himanshu Yadav alias Sunny, and others. Police said Himanshu was having an affair with a girl from the victims’ family and was a frequent visitor to the house. However, the girl’s family was opposed to the union. This had earlier led to a dispute that was resolved by the village head.
Sequence of Events
Police said on Monday night, Himanshu reached the girl’s house in an inebriated state and had an altercation with Shyam Lal. As the elderly man slapped Himanshu, he along with his friend, killed them. Villagers told senior police officials that most family members work outside the state and only a few relatives were staying at the house.
Action Taken
Following the incident, a sub-inspector posted at Meja police outpost was placed under suspension regarding the incident.
