Rampur (UP), April 7 A man and two of his associates here were arrested for allegedly killing his police officer wife and their three-year-old son to claim insurance money and other benefits worth Rs 2 crore, and attempting to pass off the crime as a road accident, police said on Tuesday.
The incident took place on February 25 on the Swar-Bajpur road in the Kashipur area, under the jurisdiction of the Ganj police station in Rampur.
When a burnt car was recovered from the scene, it was initially believed to be the result of a collision with a truck. However, a detailed investigation by the Ganj Police, who scanned over 300 CCTV cameras along the route, revealed it to be a premeditated murder.
The deceased were identified as Lata (25), a police officer, and her son, Avansh alias Laddu (3).
According to police, Lata's husband, Daan Singh (26), along with his brother Ravi (20) and three friends – Pradeep, Noor Hasan, and Salman – allegedly conspired to commit the crime.
Singh, who used to operate vehicles for rent, had a love marriage in 2022.
Investigators said he hatched the plan to kill his wife and child to claim insurance and other post-death benefits worth Rs 2 crore.
They said Singh proposed a family trip to Nainital, and while returning, he allegedly carried out the plan in Kashipur, near Ganj.
Police said that Singh first administered sedatives to Lata and the child. He then poured petrol on the car and set it on fire to make it look like an accident.
The child died on the spot, while Lata survived the initial burn injuries. While she was being taken to the hospital in a friend's car, Singh allegedly hit her on the head, resulting in her death, police said.
The post-mortem report revealed a head injury on Lata, raising suspicion. Further forensic examination of the vehicle indicated that it had not been involved in an accident, but was deliberately set ablaze, police said.
Singh was taken into custody on April 4, and during interrogation, he allegedly confessed to the crime.
Superintendent of Police Somendra Meena said that following Singh's disclosure, police arrested him, Noor Hasan, and Salman on Monday, while Ravi and Pradeep are still at large.
Police also revealed that Singh's first wife had died in a car accident in 2020, although no case was registered in that incident.
A case has been registered against the accused. Efforts are underway to apprehend the absconding individuals, they said.