Daijiworld Media Network - Prayagraj

Prayagraj, Feb 24: A shocking case of murder has come to light in Prayagraj, where a 48-year-old man from Delhi allegedly killed his wife during their visit to the Mahakumbh 2025, reportedly inspired by crime thriller serials.

According to the police, Ashok Kumar, a resident of Trilokpuri, had been planning the murder of his 40-year-old wife, Meenakshi, for months. The alleged motive behind the crime was an extra-marital affair, as per his relatives.

Inspector Upendra Singh, Station House Officer (SHO) of Jhunsi Kotwali, stated that Ashok carried a knife from Delhi with the intent to commit the crime. After consuming liquor, he had an altercation with his wife, which ultimately led to the murder.

Instead of checking into a hotel, where ID proof would have been required, the couple sought shelter in the home of 72-year-old Gayatri Devi in Azad Nagar. The elderly woman, moved by their plea, allowed them to stay on the first floor of her house.

The next morning, she found Meenakshi’s body in the washroom with her throat slit. Ashok, in an attempt to mislead the police, lodged a missing complaint at Jhunsi police station, claiming his wife got lost in the Mahakumbh crowd. However, suspicion grew when Meenakshi’s family members in Delhi informed the police about his alleged affair and marital discord.

Tracking Ashok’s mobile location, police arrested him from Baihrana on February 21 night. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime. He is currently lodged in Naini Jail, and further investigations are underway.