Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested the prime accused in the murder of Jhansi’s first woman autorickshaw driver, officials confirmed on Saturday. The victim, Anita Chaudhary (35), was found dead near Station Road earlier this week, with her post-mortem report confirming that she had been shot.
Body found after family raised alarm
According to police, Anita left her home around 9.30 pm on Sunday, January 4, but failed to return. After her family lodged a missing complaint, her blood-soaked body was discovered around 2.30 am on Monday near Station Road, under the jurisdiction of Navabad Police Station.
Love affair angle emerges
Following the incident, Anita’s husband Dwarika Chaudhary filed a complaint accusing three people — Mukesh Jha (37), his son Shivam (18) and brother-in-law Manoj (35) — of murdering her. Police arrested Shivam and Manoj on Monday evening, while Mukesh went absconding.
Investigators later announced a reward of ₹25,000 for information leading to Mukesh’s arrest. Police said Mukesh and Anita had been in a relationship for the past six to seven years, but a recent dispute between them allegedly led to the crime.
Arrest after late-night encounter
Acting on a tip-off, police launched an operation on Friday night to trace Mukesh. During the operation, he allegedly opened fire at police personnel, prompting retaliatory firing. Mukesh was shot in the right leg, apprehended and shifted to a medical college for treatment.
During interrogation, Mukesh reportedly told investigators that he killed Anita as he “felt betrayed in love”. Police also recovered the pistol allegedly used in the murder.
Superintendent of Police (City) Preeti Singh said a detailed investigation is underway.