Farmer drugged, strangled in Baghpat; wife arrested

Meerut: A 37-year-old farmer was allegedly drugged and strangled to death by his wife and her lover in Baghpat district, police said on Sunday. The wife has been arrested, while her alleged accomplice remains at large.The case came to light in Naurojpur Gurjar village after Sachin Kumar was found dead at his residence under suspicious circumstances. Family members were initially told that he had died after his health suddenly deteriorated. However, injury marks on his neck prompted police to investigate the death.Baghpat SP Suraj Rai said the investigation revealed that Sachin’s wife, Rachna Devi, 32, and Sonu, a resident of Baghpat, were in a relationship and viewed him as an obstacle.

“Rachna mixed a sedative into kheer and served it to her husband before calling Sonu to the house. After Sachin lost consciousness, the two allegedly strangled him,” Rai said.Police said CCTV footage showed a man entering the victim’s house late at night and leaving a few hours later. During questioning, Rachna allegedly disclosed details of the murder, police said.Officers said Devi then attempted to pass off the death as natural. However, technical evidence and statements from family members led investigators to the suspects. Sachin and Rachna had been married for nearly 12 years and have two children aged 10 and 8.