Delhi Man Kills Wife at Kumbh Mela, Fakes Her Disappearance

A 48-year-old man from Delhi has been arrested for murdering his wife during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The accused, identified as Ashok Kumar, allegedly killed his wife, Meenakshi, on February 18 and tried to mislead their family by claiming she had gone missing during a religious gathering.

Planned Murder at Kumbh Mela

Ashok Kumar, a sanitation worker with Delhi Nagar Nigam and a resident of Trilokpuri, had travelled to Prayagraj with his 40-year-old wife for a ritual bath in the Ganges. However, police investigations revealed that Kumar had premeditated the murder for months, seeing the large crowds of the Kumbh Mela as an opportunity to carry out his crime unnoticed.

Creating an Alibi

To avoid suspicion, Kumar actively posted videos and pictures of their trip on social media, portraying the couple as a happy family enjoying the pilgrimage. After committing the crime, he visited the local police station to file a missing person complaint for his wife, further strengthening his false narrative. He then fled the scene and went into hiding.

Discovery of the Crime

The next morning, Meenakshi’s body was found inside a rented accommodation in Azad Nagar, Ketwana (New Jhunsi). Notably, Kumar had not submitted their ID proofs while booking the room. Investigators began tracing his movements through CCTV footage and social media activity.

Breakthrough in the Investigation

On February 21, the case took a turn when Meenakshi’s brother, Pravesh Kumar, along with her two sons, Ashwani and Adarsh, contacted the police and identified her body through photos and clothing. Upon further questioning, the family disclosed ongoing marital disputes between the couple, which led police to suspect Kumar’s involvement.

Confession and Arrest

A joint team comprising Jhunsi police, the Special Operation Group (SOG), and the surveillance unit tracked Kumar down in Bairana and arrested him on February 23. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime, stating that he argued with his wife before slitting her throat with a knife. After the murder, he discarded the blood-stained clothes and the weapon in a dustbin near the mela area before fleeing.

Three Months of Planning

Authorities revealed that Kumar had been planning the murder for nearly three months. The couple had frequent disputes, allegedly due to Kumar’s extramarital affair, which Meenakshi strongly opposed. Faced with mounting marital tension, he decided to end her life during their trip to Kumbh Mela.

Legal Action and Investigation

The accused has been charged with murder and tampering with evidence. Police officials confirmed that further investigations are underway to ensure justice is served.
This tragic incident highlights how personal disputes can escalate to violent crimes, emphasizing the importance of addressing domestic conflicts through legal and social support systems.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.