Lucknow: The police have launched an intensive investigation into the brutal kidnapping, rape, and murder of a woman by an auto driver in Lucknow's Malihabad. As per a report by the local publication Tarunmitra, DCP West Vishwajeet Srivastava confirmed that six police teams, including special units from eastern, western, and central zones, along with the surveillance department and the crime branch, are actively searching for the absconding accused. To expedite his arrest, the police have also announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh.
The auto driver's brother, identified as Dinesh Kumar, has been taken into custody for questioning, and the auto-rickshaw used in the crime has been recovered. Reportedly, the police also analysed footage from several CCTV cameras along the route from Alambagh bus stand to Malihabad, identifying suspicious auto movements at ten locations. Several auto drivers have been interrogated as part of the investigation too.
According to officials, the woman, who initially boarded the auto to travel to Chinhat, was misled by the driver under the pretense of road diversions. Instead of heading towards Charbagh, he diverted towards Malihabad, covering approximately 35 km. Upon reaching a mango orchard, the accused raped and strangled the victim before concealing the body.
CCTV footage revealed that the suspect completed the crime in approximately 21 minutes before fleeing the scene. The woman's phone remained active for three minutes after her last known location was shared at 2:35 AM, suggesting a struggle before the murder. The driver was later spotted returning near a hospital at 3:24 AM.
The police are tracking the accused’s movement and believe he escaped through a village road.
