Man poses as electrician, kills elderly couple in broad-daylight

By Sagaya Fernando | April 29, 2025

 

PRAYAGRAJ, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA — In a chilling double murder that has rocked northern India, a retired couple was brutally slain in their home in the ADA Colony of Naini, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, after a man posing as an electrician gained entry under false pretenses. The suspect, caught on CCTV leaving the scene with a towel covering his face, remains at large as police intensify their investigation.

Arun Kumar Srivastava, 66, a retired officer from the Transport Corporation of India (TCI), and his wife Meena Srivastava, 60, were murdered in the early afternoon hours of April 28. Preliminary investigations suggest that robbery may have been the motive, although other angles are being explored.

At approximately 4:15 p.m. local time, the couple’s tenant noticed the main gate was locked and found the couple bleeding heavily inside their home. Arun Srivastava had already succumbed to his injuries, while Meena was barely alive, crying out: “Save me, save me, take me and Arun to the hospital quickly…” These were reportedly her final words before succumbing to her injuries en route to SRN Hospital.

 

Police officials, including DCP Vivek Chand Yadav of Yamuna Nagar, confirmed that both victims had suffered fatal head injuries — Arun was struck with a sharp object at the back of his head, while Meena was hit with a heavy blunt object. The use of two different weapons has led investigators to believe the murders were premeditated and executed with brutal precision.

The killer reportedly posed as an electrician to enter the house, where he attacked the unsuspecting couple. CCTV footage has captured the suspect exiting the residence shortly after the crime, masked with a towel. The footage is now a critical part of the ongoing manhunt.

Further suspicions of robbery were fuelled by the discovery of an open locker inside one of the bedrooms. Police forensic teams have collected evidence from the crime scene and questioned labourers working at a nearby construction site, though no arrests have been made.

Locals told authorities that the area has become a known gathering point for drug addicts after dusk, particularly near a pond behind a nearby government school and along routes leading to Qazipur and Mukta Bihar. These environmental factors are being examined as potential enablers or contributing risks in the case.

The couple lived quietly in the neighbourhood for many years and are survived by three married daughters and a son, Manish Srivastava, who is currently employed with the State Bank of India in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh.

As of now, Prayagraj police continue to pursue leads and have assured that the perpetrator will be apprehended soon.