In a shocking incident, the Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi have uncovered a complex web of affairs, inheritance disputes, and a jewellery theft all in one family. All this was linked to the murder of 54-year-old Sushila Devi, revealed police.

The complicated series of the incidents led to the arrest of the victim’s daughter-in-law, Pooja Jatav. Along with Pooja, her sister Kamla, and Kamla’s lover, Anil Verma were also arrested by the Police. All three are now under Police custody.

Murder and Robbery on June 24

According to reports, the crime came to light on the morning of June 24 when Sushila Devi was found dead. Shushila was reportedly the matriarch of the whole household in Kumhariya village. After initial investigation police discovered that the home had been ransacked, with gold and silver jewellery. The looted jewellery was approximately worth Rs 8 lakh. Along with that a motorbike, and a country-made pistol was also missing from the house.

Affairs, Domestic Disputes

As the investigation deepened, the police found that after husband’s death, Pooja had been in live-in relationships with both of her brothers-in-law. Pooja first began an affair with Kalyan Singh, and later Santosh Singh, who was already married. Her affair with Santosh resulted in the birth of a daughter. This caused his wife, Ragini, to leave the household nine months ago, said police.

All this began after Pooja reportedly pushed for the sale of her late husband’s share in the family’s 16-bigha (6.5-acre) ancestral land. Pooja wanted to start a new life and relocate to Gwalior. While some family members supported her decision, Sushila Devi firmly objected. Police say her opposition became the primary motive for the murder.

Arrests and Confessions

The UP police arrested Pooja and her sister Kamla based on forensic evidence and witness accounts within 48 hours of the murder. During interrogation, Pooja confessed to orchestrating the murder with the help of her sister Kamla and Anil Verma. The trio allegedly conspired to kill Sushila Devi, loot her jewellery and sell it for money.

Kamla’s lover Anil Verma, who had been absconding since the murder, was intercepted by police. Anil was caught while attempting to sell the stolen ornaments to a relative. However, Verma reportedly opened fire on the officers, prompting police retaliation. Verma was injured in the leg during the cross firing. He was admitted to Jhansi Medical College Hospital under armed guard.

Evidence Recovered

Meanwhile, the police recovered the stolen jewellery, the black motorcycle used during the escape. The police also confiscated the country-made pistol believed to be used for Shushila Devi’s murder. Superintendent of Police (City), Gyanendra Kumar, confirmed the arrests and said investigations are ongoing, including a renewed probe into the earlier deaths of Pooja’s two brothers-in-law.