A chilling murder case in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh involving family betrayal, affairs, and greed was recently cracked by the police, revealing a sinister plot behind the killing of 54-year-old Sushila Devi.
According to Superintendent of Police (City) Gyanendra Kumar, the investigation led to the arrest of Sushila’s daughter-in-law Pooja, her sister Kamla, and Kamla’s lover Anil Verma, who had been absconding after the murder. The case unfolded as follows:
The Murder
Sushila Devi was found dead in her home in Kumhariya village on June 24. Initially unclear, the investigation soon revealed that she had been murdered as part of a plot involving land and jewellery.
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The motive stemmed from Pooja’s desire to sell her eight-bigha share of family land (out of a total 16 bighas) and move to Gwalior.
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While her father-in-law Ajay and brother-in-law Santosh (with whom she was having an affair) supported the sale, Sushila opposed it, becoming the main obstacle.
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To eliminate this opposition, Pooja, with the help of her sister Kamla and Kamla’s lover Anil Verma, allegedly murdered Sushila Devi and stole jewellery worth ₹8 lakh.
The Arrests and Encounter
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Pooja and Kamla were arrested and sent to judicial custody.
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Anil Verma, who had fled, was tracked down while attempting to sell the stolen jewellery.
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When confronted by police, he opened fire. Police responded and injured him in the encounter, after which he was arrested.
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Police recovered the stolen gold, a pistol, and the bike used by Anil.
The Family Web of Affairs
The family background further complicated the case:
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After Pooja’s husband died, she entered a live-in relationship with Sushila’s younger son Kalyan Singh in Jhansi.
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Following Kalyan's death six years ago, Pooja moved to Kumhariya with Santosh and Ajay.
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Pooja then began an affair with Santosh, her late husband’s brother, and had a daughter with him.
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Santosh’s legal wife Ragini objected and left the family home nine months ago.
During interrogation, Pooja admitted that she and her sister Kamla, along with Anil, conspired to kill Sushila Devi to clear the path for selling the land and moving away.
This case, blending greed, illicit relationships, and cold-blooded murder, has stunned the local community, with police now preparing a detailed chargesheet against all accused.
