NOIDA: A 25-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife within three months of their marriage and attempting to burn her body to destroy evidence in Dadri.
The half-burnt body of Monika Nagar (22) was discovered on an isolated plot in Dadri on May 7.
Police said her husband, Anuj Chauhan, along with his parents and a neighbour, allegedly transported her body in an SUV and set it on fire after hiding it beneath a pile of cow dung.
Family Alleges Harassment Over Property
Monika’s family alleged that she had been repeatedly assaulted by her husband and in-laws and pressured to transfer property reportedly worth around Rs 3 crore into their names.
Police said Anuj, a resident of Ghodi Baccheda, was arrested during a special operation using electronic surveillance.
The SUV allegedly used to transport the body was also seized.
Couple Had Married in February
According to police, Monika and Anuj had a court marriage on February 17 after being in a relationship for some time. Both families were reportedly aware of the marriage.
However, Monika’s relatives later accused her husband and in-laws of abusing her over her share of family property.
Victim Called Family Before Death
Monika’s mother, Renu Nagar, told police that her daughter called around 2.50 pm on the day of the incident, saying she was being assaulted.
Her brother also reportedly told investigators that Monika made distress calls twice that day and said she was being pressured to transfer her property share.
Relatives who later reached Anuj’s home allegedly saw Monika’s body being loaded into a black Toyota Fortuner.
Murder Case Registered Against Seven People
Following the family’s complaint, police registered a case under sections related to murder, destruction of evidence and attempt to murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Seven people were named in the case, including Anuj, his parents, younger brother, uncle, aunt and neighbour Karan Rawal, also known as Kannu, who had already been arrested earlier.
Husband Claims Wife Died by Suicide
During questioning, police said Anuj claimed he had argued with Monika after she expressed a desire to visit her parental home.
He allegedly told investigators that family members later informed him she had hanged herself in her room and was declared dead at a hospital.
Police said Anuj claimed villagers then advised the family to burn the body.
Cause of Death Still Unclear
The autopsy could not conclusively determine the cause of death because the body had been severely burnt.
However, viscera samples have been preserved and sent for forensic examination.
