Tantrik arrested for murdering couple, cops probing daughter’s role

Police have arrested a tantrik for his alleged involvement in the murder of a couple as he wanted to marry their teenage daughter.

Police have arrested a tantrik for his alleged involvement in the murder of a couple as he wanted to marry their teenage daughter.

Villagers assemble at the couple’s house after the murder last week in Badalpur. The accused, Pramod (45), allegedly strangulated the couple on the night of August 1 with the help of his servant Salman. (HT Photo)

The accused, Pramod (45), allegedly strangulated the couple, residents of Badalpur in Bambawad village, on the intervening night of August 1 and 2 with the help of his servant Salman. They then abducted the couple’s daughter and four-year-old son, police said.

“The accused confessed that he killed the couple because he wanted to marry their daughter. He said he had been having a relationship with the girl for four months and killed the couple in a fit of rage,” said Abhishek Yadav, superintendent of police (rural), Gautam Budh Nagar.

Police said they arrested Pramod from Dadri bypass on Monday afternoon when he came to the city to arrange money.

“On the night of August 1, the couple’s son was not well and they had taken him to doctor. While they were returning, Pramod and Salman took them to their hideout in Greater Noida on some pretext and strangulated the two. They dumped their bodies at different locations to confuse police,” said Yadav.

Yadav said the role of the couple’s daughter is suspicious as she is changing statements and wearing sindoor (vermillion) and sari.

“To ascertain her age, she was sent for a medico-legal test. Her statements will be recorded in front of a magistrate soon. We cannot give a clean chit to her,” said Yadav.

“Pramod was changing locations. He went to Mathura and Rajasthan and many other places with the girl and his brother. When he ran out of money, he came back to seek help from friends and was caught. He will be produced in court,” said Yadav.

Pramod’s servant Salman is already behind the bars.

VK Pandey, in charge of Badalpur police station, said the girl is not confirming if she is married to the accused.

“She is still wearing the sindoor and sari. But we are not sure if the two got married. The matter is under investigation,” said Pandey.