Wife and Alleged Lover Arrested for Poisoning Husband in Etah Murder Case
In a shocking crime that has rattled the Etah district, a woman and her alleged lover were arrested on Monday for the alleged murder of her husband by poisoning his drink with a toxic spray. The victim, identified as Hemant Mishra, a 45-year-old local stamp vendor, was found dead in a wheat field near a liquor shop, approximately 5 kilometers from the Jaithra police station, on Saturday.
Initial Investigation and Suspicious Circumstances
Villagers discovered Mishra's body, prompting police to arrive at the scene, identify the deceased, and conduct a post-mortem examination. Initially, officers suspected that the death might have resulted from excessive alcohol consumption, given the location near a liquor shop. However, this theory was quickly challenged as deeper evidence emerged.
"Analysis of technical evidence, including call detail records, mobile location data, and surrounding circumstances, indicated it could be a murder," stated Jaithra Station House Officer Ritesh Thakur. This revelation shifted the investigation from an accidental death to a deliberate homicide.
FIR Registered and Arrests Made
Based on a complaint filed by Mishra's brother, an FIR was registered on Sunday under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 103(1) for murder, 238 for destroying evidence, and 61 for criminal conspiracy. The accused include Mishra's wife, her alleged lover Sumit alias Sonu Chauhan, both residents of Etah, and other unknown persons.
Police meticulously reconstructed the sequence of events, uncovering that a car had arrived at the spot where the body was later found. CCTV footage captured the vehicle leaving within three minutes, raising immediate red flags. Further investigation revealed that Mishra's phone location was moving in tandem with the same car, providing a crucial lead.
Confession and Murder Plot Unveiled
"We traced the car and questioned its occupants. Chauhan confessed to killing Mishra and admitted to taking the help of his driver, Ajay, to dispose of the body," explained Additional Superintendent of Police Swetabh Pandey. Ajay was also arrested on Monday in connection with the crime.
During interrogation, Chauhan disclosed that he had been in a relationship with Mishra's wife for several months. The two families had known each other for years, and their bond grew stronger after Chauhan's wife passed away in October 2025. This close connection allegedly facilitated the planning of the murder.
"They hatched the murder plan around 15 days ago and purchased a poisonous spray. On February 13, under the pretext of taking Mishra to a wedding, Chauhan made him drink alcohol in the car and administered an overdose of the spray, which proved fatal," Pandey detailed. To create an alibi and mislead investigators, Chauhan attended two weddings before dumping Mishra's body near his village, adding a layer of premeditation to the crime.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Probe
This case highlights the increasing reliance on digital evidence, such as CCTV footage and mobile data, in solving complex crimes. The arrests underscore the effectiveness of modern policing techniques in unraveling conspiracies that might otherwise go undetected. Authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure all involved parties are brought to justice, emphasizing the seriousness with which such offenses are treated under the law.
