Woman, lover arrested for killing spouse and staging it as snakebite death

By Sagaya Fernando | April 17, 2025

 

Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India: Authorities in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh have uncovered a chilling murder case in which a woman and her lover allegedly killed her husband and attempted to disguise the crime as a fatal snakebite.

The victim, identified as Amit Kashyap, 30, was found dead on April 13 morning at his residence in Akbarpur Sadat village, located in the Behsuma region of Meerut district. A venomous snake was discovered near his body, leading initial reports to suggest he had died from multiple snakebites while sleeping outdoors on a cot.

However, a post-mortem examination later revealed that Kashyap had died from asphyxiation caused by strangulation. The revelation prompted local police to launch a deeper investigation, during which the victim's wife, Ravita (27), and her 19-year-old lover, Amardeep, were taken into custody.

According to Meerut Police, the pair later confessed to the murder. They admitted to strangling Amit while he slept and placing the snake under his body to mislead investigators and simulate a snakebite death.

Murder Planned After Public Altercation

Police sources indicated that tensions between the couple had escalated after Kashyap reportedly discovered the affair between Ravita and Amardeep, a former co-worker of his. A confrontation between the trio at a local bus stand is believed to have further strained the relationship. Witnesses said Amit publicly slapped Ravita after spotting her with Amardeep.

Later that night, Ravita allegedly moved her husband's bed to the veranda and called Amardeep to the house. While Amit slept, Ravita reportedly restrained his hands as Amardeep strangled him. The two then released a snake onto the body in an effort to fake a snakebite scenario.

Despite nine family members being present in the house, the murder went unnoticed. The next morning, Ravita sent one of her children to wake Amit, who discovered the snake beside the unresponsive body. The family rushed him to a hospital, where he was declared dead.

Snake Obtained for Rupees 1,000

Investigators revealed that the accused purchased the snake for approximately ₹1,000 (around USD 12) from a local snake charmer. The reptile, a rat snake (non-venomous), remained on the victim’s body until the morning. A wildlife official confirmed that snakes typically do not attack without provocation and that inducing a snake to bite a corpse would require deliberate handling.

The accused also attempted to prevent an autopsy. Ravita initially opposed the post-mortem, insisting her husband had died from snakebite. However, police insisted on an examination, which ultimately exposed the murder.

Allegations of Abuse Surface

During questioning, Ravita alleged that her husband had been abusive and had introduced her to Amardeep against her will. She further claimed that Amit had threatened both her and Amardeep, and forced her into prostitution. These allegations are under further investigation. The couple had been married for eight years and had three children together.

Legal Proceedings Underway

Meerut police confirmed that both suspects have been formally arrested and remanded to judicial custody. Authorities continue to investigate whether others may have assisted in staging the scene.

“This was an elaborate plan designed to evade suspicion using a method rarely seen in criminal investigations,” said Circle Officer Abhishek Kumar Patel. “Thanks to the post-mortem findings and thorough police work, we were able to uncover the truth.”

The case has drawn widespread attention in India and internationally, particularly due to its unusual use of a live animal in the cover-up. Wildlife experts have expressed concern over the misuse of snakes in criminal activities.