Jhansi: A family in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, has become the centre of a shocking case involving extramarital affairs, gold theft, and murder. Police have uncovered the alleged conspiracy behind the murder of 60-year-old Sushila Devi.The probe led to the arrest of her younger daughter-in-law, Pooja Jatav, along with Pooja’s sister, Kamla. Both women are currently in judicial custody. On Tuesday night, police nabbed Kamla’s boyfriend, Anil Verma—who had been absconding since the killing. Verma was shot in the leg by the police during a police encounter.
The incident occurred on the morning of 24 June, when 60-year-old Sushila Devi was found dead in her home under suspicious circumstances. While the preliminary investigation suggested it was a case of robbery, the case took a major turn after Pooja went missing following the funeral. Her sudden absence raised suspicions, prompting the police to launch a more in-depth investigation.
29-year-old Pooja Jatav, after her husband’s death entered into live-in relationships with both her brothers-in-law, Kalyan Singh and later Santosh, who was already married. The extra-marital affair with Santosh, even led to the birth of an illegitimate child.
Reportedly, Pooja wanted to sell the18 bighas of an ancestral land belonging to her deceased husband and settle in Gwalior. While some family members agreed, Sushila Devi strongly objected to the sale, fearing Pooja’s intentions. This opposition is believed to be the motive of the murder. The land was currently under family control.
Police confirmed that Pooja had confessed that she conspired the killing with the assistance of her sister and her sister's lover.
On the night of the murder, Kamala and Anil travelled 125 km to Jhansi where they injected poison and strangled Sushila Devi at the house. They also robbed ₹8 lakh worth of gold jewellery before fleeing.
Pooja's Past
Pooja was first married in Gwalior. Her first marriage ended bitterly after she was subjected to domestic violence. Reportedly, her first husband once had her shot during a conflict, a case that reached court. It was during the court hearings that Pooja met Kalyan, a man who took sympathy on her, believing she was a victim of domestic abuse. Their friendship turned romantic, and Kalyan married her.Kalyan died six years later in a road accident.
