A shocking murder case in Uttar Pradesh has brought to light the dangers of deceptive online relationships. A 52-year-old woman from Farrukhabad, who had been in a relationship with a 26-year-old man she met on Instagram, was allegedly killed by him in Mainpuri. The accused, Arun Rajput, has been arrested after police identified him through mobile data and social media traces.

According to police officials, Rani and Arun began interacting nearly a year and a half ago on Instagram. During this time, the woman reportedly used image filters to appear significantly younger. As the online friendship developed into a relationship, they began meeting frequently at hotels in Farrukhabad. Two months ago, they started speaking more regularly over phone calls.

The situation escalated on August 10, when Rani travelled to Mainpuri to meet Rajput. During this visit, she once again urged him to marry her and return the Rs 1.5 lakh she had lent him. This led to a confrontation, and in a moment of anger, Arun allegedly strangled her with her own dupatta and fled the scene.

Woman’s Body Found Near Village

The body was discovered the following day, August 11, near Karpari village in Mainpuri. Strangulation marks were found on the neck, suggesting murder. Initially, the victim could not be identified, prompting authorities to circulate her photographs in nearby districts. Her identity was eventually confirmed through a missing person complaint filed in Farrukhabad.

Arun Kumar Singh, the Superintendent of Police, said, “Two months ago, they exchanged numbers and began speaking to each other regularly on the phone. They also met several times. He told us the woman had been pressuring him to marry her for some time, and she brought up the topic again that day (when they met).”

He further stated, “We have recovered the phones used in their communication,” confirming that the devices contained photos and chats that verified their relationship timeline.

Rajput Admits Killing Woman with Her Dupatta

During questioning, Rajput reportedly confessed to the murder. He said he felt trapped by Rani’s demands and feared she might involve law enforcement or his family. “He said he had been angry for some time about the pressure…and strangled the woman with the ‘dupatta’ she was wearing,” Singh added.

When asked if the woman’s actual age was a contributing factor, Singh explained, “The accused…said that the woman used filter on Instagram that made her appear younger. When he met her for the first time, he found out her actual age. The woman was also married and had children. These factors made him not want to marry her.”

The accused has since been taken into custody and is now lodged in jail. Police believe the motive was driven by a combination of emotional manipulation, financial disputes, and deception. The case has raised concerns over identity misrepresentation on social media and the consequences it can lead to.