Meerut 'Snake Murder' Case: Wife Conspired with Lover to Kill Husband After Failed Hit-and-Run
The Failed First Attempt:
Police investigation indicates that about 20 days prior to the murder, the accused had attempted to kill the victim, Atul Panwar, by hitting his bike with an Ertiga car driven by Tushar. Atul survived the crash, protected by his helmet. Damini allegedly dissuaded him from filing a police complaint, claiming the vehicle number was unknown, thereby allowing the conspirators to plot a different approach.
The 'Snake Murder' Conspiracy:
After the failed hit-and-run, the accused allegedly switched to a more discreet method to make the death appear like a tragic accident. On the night of the incident, Damini reportedly sedated Atul by spiking his milk with sleeping pills. Once he was in a deep sleep, a venomous snake was placed in his bed. Atul died from the snakebite, and Damini initially presented the case to the hospital and authorities as an accidental snakebite.
Digital Evidence & Arrests:
The case took a turn when police found the circumstances suspicious. Forensic analysis and technical surveillance of mobile phones revealed persistent communication between Damini and Tushar. Crucially, a photograph of the snake inside a container was recovered from Tushar’s mobile, which he reportedly confessed to having purchased from two snake charmers.
Police confirmed that Atul and Damini had a love marriage in 2019 and ran a school together, where Damini grew close to Tushar. SSP Avinash Pandey stated that the digital footprints, call details, and forensic evidence successfully linked the four suspects to both the initial vehicular attack and the final murder. The suspects remain in custody as further legal proceedings continue.
