In a shocking crime from Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh district, a young woman and her secret lover have been arrested for the alleged murder of her grandmother, a desperate plot conceived to delay the woman's arranged marriage and allow the couple to elope.
The Fatal Plan to Postpone a Wedding
Ruby, 23, was slated to marry a man chosen by her family on November 18. Strongly opposed to the match, she was in a hidden long-term relationship with Ravi Shankar, a 25-year-old man who ran a motorcycle repair shop rented from her family in Chandokha village. According to Aligarh police, the duo knew Ruby's family would never accept their relationship due to caste differences—Ruby belongs to a backward class, while Ravi is from a Scheduled Caste.
With the wedding date fast approaching and unable to reveal their bond, the couple allegedly hatched a drastic plan. They decided to kill Ruby's 62-year-old grandmother, Chandrawati, hoping her death would force a postponement of the nuptials, buying them time to run away together.
Murder in the Fields and a Wedding Undeterred
The police investigation reveals that the plan was executed on November 11. Ruby often accompanied Chandrawati to graze their goats and buffaloes in the fields. On that day, as part of the scheme, Ruby left her grandmother alone, pretending to secure a goat in a nearby hut. She then informed Ravi, who arrived at the spot and allegedly shot the elderly woman in the head with a gun.
The body of Chandrawati was discovered near a field in Chandokha, leading to a case being registered at the Jawan police station. Despite the tragic death in the family, Ruby's wedding proceeded as scheduled on November 18, undeterred by the murder.
Police Crack the Case Through Inconsistencies and CDR
While the wedding took place, police continued their probe. Station House Officer (SHO) Yogendra Singh noted that Ruby kept changing her statements during questioning, raising serious suspicion. Officers dug into her background and examined her call detail records (CDR), which showed frequent contact with one particular number.
Local inquiries soon uncovered her secret relationship with Ravi Shankar. On Sunday, December 1, twenty-two days after the murder, police arrested both Ruby and Ravi from Chandokha village. Circle Officer Shivam Singh confirmed their arrest and admission of guilt.
During sustained interrogation, Ravi confessed to the crime. He stated that he committed the murder as part of the conspiracy with Ruby. Police have also recovered the murder weapon, a gun, which Ravi allegedly purchased with money provided by Ruby. The accused also reportedly suspected that Chandrawati had discovered their relationship and feared she would expose them, adding another motive to the crime.
The couple now faces serious charges, their plan to build a life together having culminated in a tragic death and their subsequent incarceration.
