A late-night murder in Gondikheda Charan village in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district has been uncovered as a premeditated crime, with the victim’s wife and her lover arrested for allegedly plotting the killing and attempting to pass it off as a robbery, police said.
The accused, Priyanka Purohit (27), initially told investigators that a group of intruders had entered their home, held the couple hostage in separate rooms, and fled with valuables after murdering her husband, Devkrishna. However, the account quickly fell apart during the investigation.
Police said inconsistencies in her statements, suspicious behaviour, and missing mobile evidence raised doubts. Further suspicion arose when the jewellery she claimed was stolen—worth around ₹3 lakh—was recovered from inside the house.
According to officials, the nature of the attack, including a severe and targeted head injury, pointed to a deliberate killing rather than a robbery gone wrong. Forensic findings and circumstantial evidence further contradicted her version.
Within hours of questioning, Priyanka allegedly confessed to planning the murder with her lover, Kamlesh (33). Police said Kamlesh had paid approximately ₹1 lakh to a third person, identified as Surendra, to carry out the killing. Surendra is currently on the run.
Investigators believe the crime was motivated by the couple’s relationship and their intent to eliminate Priyanka’s husband. She had reportedly returned from her parental home just days before the incident, during which the plan was finalised.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further investigation is underway.
