Lucknow, July 22: A joint team of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana police on Sunday, July 21, arrested a couple from Pratapgarh for allegedly killing a man from Bihar. Police officials said that the couple killed the Bihar native and buried his body in the courtyard of their friend's house in Subansa (Fatanpur) village. The incident came to light on Saturday, July 20, when police exhumed the deceased's body.

According to a report in the Times of India, the deceased, Shivnath Shah (42), was working in Gurugram and was said to be in an illicit relationship with the accused woman, who was her co-worker. Officials said that the alleged murder occurred on June 16 over Shah's illicit relationship with the woman. After the incident, the police arrested the couple, Vinod Kumar Gautam (40) and his wife Pushpa Gautam (35). Doctor Booked for Raping Patient in UP’s Pratapgarh.

Cops also recovered an axe and a pan that was allegedly used to kill Shivnath Shah. Speaking about the murder, Durgesh Kumar Singh, Additional SP (East), said that their investigation revealed that the victim was in an illicit relationship with Pushpa, who was married. The accused woman and the victim worked in the same company in Haryana.

Officials also learned that Pushpa's husband Vinod worked as a vegetable vendor in Gurugram. On June 8, the Puhspa and Vinod returned to their native village in Uttar Pradesh's Pratapgarh district. A week later, Shivnat also arrived in Pratapgarh. Following this, the couple is reported to have killed Shah and buried his body. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Two Teenagers With Earphones on Die After Being Hit by Train.

ASP Singh said that after being arrested, the couple confessed to killing Shah and burning his body. Cops also said that the couple's neighbours who helped the accused to bury Shivnath's body are at large. A manhunt to nab the neighbours has been launched.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2024 05:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).