Two wives, rented flat, and a blue trunk: UP man allegedly kills live-in partner, burns her body with coal

A retired railway employee in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi district has been accused of murdering his live-in partner, concealing her body in a blue trunk and later burning it with coal and wood, police said on Sunday. The accused is currently absconding.

The case came to light nearly a week after the alleged murder, following a tip-off from a loader driver who grew suspicious after being hired to dispose of a trunk.

The accused has been identified as Ram Singh (62), who police said was in a live-in relationship with the victim, Preeti (32). Singh, who is married to two women, allegedly fled before police arrived at the scene.

Late Saturday night, the loader driver alerted police after sensing something was wrong. When officers reached the Sipri Bazar area of Jhansi, they found a blue trunk containing ashes, coal and partially burnt human bones. Singh had already escaped by then.

Secret relationship

Police said Preeti, who was married and lived with her husband near the ITI area, frequently stayed with Singh at a rented house in Lehar Gaon under the Sipri Bazar police station limits. Investigators believe Singh arranged the accommodation specifically for her and that the murder took place there.

According to police records, Singh has two wives, both named Gita. One lives in Nandanpura, while the other resides near the city Kotwali area. During questioning, the second wife allegedly provided crucial information about the crime.

Circle Officer (City) Laxmikant Gautam said Singh killed Preeti about a week ago following repeated arguments over money.

Body burned, son suspected

Police allege that after killing Preeti, Singh placed her body inside a large blue trunk and burned it using coal and wood. Gautam said Singh’s minor son is also suspected of helping dispose of the body.

“The body was reduced to ashes, with only a few bones remaining. The accused is absconding, and multiple police teams have been formed to arrest him,” Gautam said, adding that a murder case has been registered.

During a search of the rented house, police found a stove in the courtyard outside the room. Investigators suspect parts of the body were burned there after the murder.