Daijiworld Media Network - Kanpur

Kanpur, Jun 2: Police have arrested a couple for allegedly murdering a man and dismembering his body before burning the remains in a forest area in an attempt to destroy evidence.

The victim, identified as Vijay, had reportedly been missing before investigators began tracing his last known movements. Suspicion soon fell on Kiran Devi, a woman with whom he was allegedly involved in a romantic relationship.

Police said surveillance inputs and technical evidence led investigators to Kiran Devi and her husband, Kamta Prasad Nishad, who were taken into custody for questioning.

During interrogation, the couple allegedly confessed to the crime.

According to police, Vijay and Kiran Devi had been in a relationship for several months. Investigators claimed that Kamta Prasad was aware of the affair and had become increasingly resentful over it.

Police alleged that he subsequently conspired with his wife to eliminate Vijay.

As part of the plan, Vijay was allegedly called to the couple's house on a pretext. Once he arrived, Kamta Prasad, who was already present there, allegedly attacked and killed him.

Investigators said the murder was followed by an elaborate attempt to conceal the crime.

During an examination of the accused's mobile phones, police reportedly found internet and YouTube search histories related to murder investigations, punishment in murder cases, prison systems, death sentences, women accused in criminal cases and methods of disposing of bodies and destroying evidence.

According to investigators, the accused initially attempted to move the body under the cover of darkness. However, when they found it difficult to fit the corpse into a sack, they allegedly used a saw and a grinder to cut the body into pieces.

The body parts were then allegedly transported to a forested area in neighbouring Kanpur Nagar district, where they were set on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence.

Police further alleged that the accused scattered the victim's belongings across different locations to make identification and investigation more difficult. The items allegedly discarded included Vijay's mobile phone, PAN card, ATM card, shoes and other personal effects.

Based on information provided by the accused, investigators recovered several pieces of evidence linked to the crime, including human remains, remnants of a mobile phone, burnt clothing fragments, a saw, a grinder blade and a motorcycle.

Both accused have been arrested, and further investigation is underway.