INDORE: In a case that has all the elements of a dark crime drama, the killing of a man in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district has unravelled into a story of alleged betrayal, humiliation and a planned conspiracy.Family members revealed that Devkrishna’s marriage had long been troubled. His sister Jyoti alleged that Priyanka, 25, would often humiliate him, saying, “Tum kaale ho, mujhe deserve nahi karte (You are dark-skinned, you don’t deserve me.)”Also read: Woh aaye, maarke chale gaye’: Woman feigns grief, cooks up robbery story after plotting husband’s murder
A strained marriage
Jyoti further claimed that tensions between the couple were frequent and escalating over time. She alleged that Priyanka would often attend weddings and social gatherings where her alleged lover was present, which led to repeated arguments at home.She also claimed she had suspected Priyanka’s affair since 2020. According to her, the couple’s relationship had been marked by regular fights and emotional strain. “Bhabhi used to stand at the window, and he used to pass on the road,” Jyoti alleged, describing moments she said reflected the growing distance between them.
A horror in Dhar village
A late-night incident in Gondikheda Charan village initially appeared to be a robbery gone wrong, but later turned into a suspected case of planned murder involving the victim’s wife.Police said Devkrishna was found dead after what was first reported as a violent break-in at the house.The accused, Priyanka Purohit (27), told police that three to four unidentified men had entered the house at night, held the couple hostage in separate rooms, and fled with jewellery worth around Rs 3 lakh and Rs 50,000 in cash after killing her husband.However, investigators soon found inconsistencies in her statement. Jewellery allegedly stolen during the incident was recovered from inside the house, raising doubts about her account.Police also noted that the injuries on the victim suggested a targeted attack rather than a random burglary.
Police investigation and breakthrough
Assistant superintendent of police Parul Belapurkar said missing mobile data, contradictions in Priyanka’s statements, and forensic findings pointed towards foul play.Within hours of sustained questioning, the narrative of a robbery began to collapse. Police said evidence suggested the attack had been planned in advance and staged to look like a burglary.Investigators also found that Kamlesh, Priyanka’s alleged partner, had reportedly paid around Rs 1 lakh to a man named Surendra to carry out the killing. Surendra is currently absconding.
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Confession and arrests
Police said Priyanka eventually confessed to plotting the murder along with Kamlesh, allegedly motivated by their relationship and a plan to remove her husband from the picture.Officials added that Priyanka had been married to Devkrishna since she was around 15 years old and had recently returned to her parental home shortly before the incident, during which the final plan is believed to have been executed.Both Priyanka and Kamlesh have been arrested, and a case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigations are continuing.
