UP doctor arrested for killing man to claim insurance money

Sumesh Rajan

January 8, 2025

In a chilling case of calculated crime, the police from the state of Uttar Pradesh in India  have arrested a Saharanpur-based doctor who allegedly burned a man alive in his car to fake his (doctor’s) own death and claim insurance money. The accused, identified as Dr. Mubarak, reportedly orchestrated the grisly murder to escape crippling debts amounting to Rs 30 lakh, including personal loans and unpaid insurance premiums.

Superintendent of Police (City) Abhimanyu Manglik said, "Dr. Mubarak devised a scheme to stage his death, intending for his family to collect the insurance payouts and clear his debts." The plot, inspired by the crime television series Crime Patrol, initially involved finding an unclaimed body. However, when this plan failed, Dr. Mubarak turned to a local man named Sonu, a habitual drinker known to frequently visit his home for money.

On December 22, 2024, Dr. Mubarak invited Sonu to a roadside eatery where they drank together. According to police, the doctor laced Sonu's drink with sedatives, rendering him unconscious. Dr. Mubarak then drove Sonu to a deserted area near the Yamuna canal, poured petrol on his Maruti 800 car, and set it ablaze with Sonu inside.

The next morning, police discovered the burnt car near Bajopura canal with a charred body inside. Investigators quickly linked the vehicle to Dr. Mubarak using its registration details. Adding to the evidence, Sonu's family had filed a missing person report, which further pointed towards the doctor's involvement.

Under interrogation, Dr. Mubarak confessed to the crime, admitting that his goal was to fake his own death so his wife could claim the insurance money. "I wanted to erase my debts and start anew," he told investigators.

Evidence collected from the crime scene included a petrol can, gloves, and Sonu's necklace, which had been removed before the car was set alight. Additionally, CCTV footage showed Dr. Mubarak and Sonu together on the night of the incident, purchasing alcohol.

Police clarified that Dr. Mubarak's wife was unaware of the murder. "She believed her husband would use an unclaimed body to stage his death," SP Manglik stated. "At this point, there is no evidence linking her to the crime."

Dr. Mubarak has been charged with murder and remains in custody as the investigation continues. Praising the investigative team's efforts, SP Manglik remarked, "This was a meticulously planned crime, but our team worked quickly to connect the dots. The accused has confessed, and we are exploring any further links."

The case serves as a stark reminder of how desperation and greed can lead to unimaginable acts of violence. Authorities continue to delve deeper into this disturbing plot, seeking justice for the victim and his family.