Daijiworld Media Network - Sitapur

Sitapur (Uttar Pradesh), Oct 16: Two murders within 24 hours in the Kamalapur police station limits of Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district have triggered panic among residents.

While a 35-year-old man was beaten to death with sticks on the National Highway near Ludhaura village on Thursday, a 60-year-old woman was killed with an axe in Sujaulia village on Friday morning.

In the second incident, Ramdevi, wife of the late Shriram, had gone to the house of Deepu in Sujaulia village when the attack took place. According to preliminary information, Pradeep, also known as Samdu, came out of his house, jumped over a wall and attacked Deepu’s wife, Sarojini, with an axe.

When Ramdevi saw Sarojini being attacked, she rushed to her rescue. However, the accused allegedly turned on her and struck her with the axe. Ramdevi sustained severe injuries and died on the spot, triggering panic in the village.

Following the incident, Bhola submitted a written complaint to the police. Local residents said the accused was reportedly mentally unstable and had not stepped out of his house for several years.

On receiving information about the murder, Station House Officer Itul Chaudhary reached the spot with a police team and took the accused into custody. Circle Officer Sidhauli Ved Prakash Srivastava also inspected the crime scene.

A forensic team later arrived at the village and began collecting evidence. Police were also making arrangements to send Ramdevi’s body for a post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death and gather further evidence.

Additional Superintendent of Police, South, Durgesh Kumar Singh, said the accused was reportedly mentally unstable and had previously been addicted to drugs. He confirmed that the accused had been taken into custody and was being questioned. He added that the situation at the spot was under control and law and order had been maintained.

The incident came a day after another murder was reported within the same police station limits.

On Thursday, Manoj, 35, was allegedly stopped and beaten with sticks on the National Highway near Ludhaura village. He sustained critical injuries and was rushed to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Kasmanda for treatment, but succumbed to his injuries.

Following Manoj’s death, his family accused around half a dozen villagers of attacking him over an old rivalry. The allegations prompted police to launch an investigation into the incident.

The two killings in quick succession have raised concerns among residents of the Kamalapur area. Although the incidents occurred under different circumstances, both have drawn police attention within a short span.

Police officials said investigations into both murders were underway. Investigators are examining the available evidence and other relevant details to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine responsibility in the cases.