5-year-old girl’s sketch helps solve mother’s murder

By Sumesh Rajan | 19 February 2025

A five-year-old girl’s drawing helped expose the murder of her mother in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India, leading to the arrest of her father. Initially reported as a suicide, the case took a shocking turn when the child sketched a disturbing scene of her father strangling her mother.

Key Case Details

Victim Identified: 28-year-old Sonali, married to Sandeep Budholia, a medical representative.

Location: Shiv Parivar Colony, Kotwali region, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Incident Date: 17^th February 2025 evening.

Breakthrough Evidence from Daughter’s Testimony

The victim’s in-laws initially claimed she died by suicide. The victim’s five-year-old daughter contradicted this, revealing her father strangled her mother. She even drew a sketch showing the attack, helping police uncover the truth.

 Her statements:

"Papa hit mumma, then hanged her."

"He hit her on the head with a stone and put her in a sack."

"He used to beat her, and he would do the same to me."

 Dowry Harassment & Domestic Abuse

Dowry Demands: The victim’s father, Sanjeev Tripathi, alleged that he gave Rupees 20 lakh in cash as dowry.

Post-Marriage Torture:

The husband and in-laws demanded a car. When refused, Sonali faced constant physical and mental abuse.

Gender Discrimination:

The in-laws taunted Sonali for not giving birth to a son. After childbirth, she was abandoned at the hospital, and her father had to bring her home.

Prior Complaint:

A police case was previously filed. A family-led reconciliation led to Sonali returning to her husband’s house.

Police Action & Arrests

FIR Filed Against: Sandeep Budholia (husband) – Arrested after a police manhunt.

Vinita (mother-in-law).

Krishna Kumar Budholia (brother-in-law).

Manisha (sister-in-law).

Other unidentified individuals.

Post-Mortem Conducted: Confirmed suspicious circumstances.

Police Statement: The accused confessed to frequent quarrels. A search is ongoing for other suspects.

Significance of the Case

Child’s Courage: The five-year-old girl’s bravery helped expose the crime.

Justice for Victims of Dowry & Domestic Abuse:

The case highlights the ongoing issue of dowry-related violence. Domestic abuse continues to be a serious concern in India.

Crucial Role of Family & Law Enforcement:

The victim’s father’s persistence led to an investigation. Police intervention prevented a cover-up.

This heartbreaking case underscores the urgent need for stronger action against domestic violence and dowry harassment. The innocence of a child became the key to justice, proving that truth cannot be hidden forever.