Electrician killed, dismembered by wife and her lovers

By Sagaya Fernando | May 19, 2025

VARANASI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA – In a horrifying case that has shocked northern India, a 62-year-old retired electrician of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was brutally murdered and dismembered by his wife and her three alleged lovers in Ballia district, of eastern Uttar Pradesh. The incident occurred on May 8, 2025, and came to light two days later when human body parts were discovered in an agricultural field.

 

Police identified the victim as Devendra, a recent retiree from the BRO, who was reportedly lured and killed by his wife Maya (55) in collusion with her lovers Mithilesh Patel, Anil Yadav, and Satish Yadav -- all in their 30s.

 

According to Ballia Superintendent of Police Omvir Singh, the gruesome crime began unravelling on May 10 when residents of Khareed village, under Sikandarpur police jurisdiction, reported a foul stench coming from a nearby field. Responding officers discovered dismembered human limbs scattered in the area. On the same evening, Maya had lodged a missing person report at Kotwali police station, claiming Devendra had gone to Buxar railway station in Bihar to receive their daughter and never returned.

 

However, inconsistencies quickly emerged. Devendra’s phone, which Maya claimed was unreachable, was found inside their home. As evidence mounted, police intensified their interrogation of Maya, who ultimately confessed to orchestrating her husband’s murder with her three paramours.

 

The investigation revealed that Devendra’s torso was dumped in a well, while his head was thrown into the Ghagra River, which remains unrecovered. Further searches led to the arrest of Mithilesh Patel and the recovery of the murder weapon. Anil and Satish were apprehended on May 14 after a police encounter near Town Polytechnic in Parikhra Jail area. The two allegedly opened fire on police officers during the operation. Anil sustained a gunshot wound before surrendering.

 

During interrogation, the accused confessed to executing the murder on May 8 after meticulous planning. Investigators believe the crime may have been motivated by Maya’s extramarital affairs and the victim’s irregular presence at home.

 

Devendra had built a house in Bahadurpur, where Maya lived alone. Their three children --two daughters studying in Jaipur and Kota, and a son residing in a hostel -- were not present at home. Devendra himself spent most of his time in his native Haripur village in the Khejuri area following his retirement in 2023, visiting his city residence occasionally.

 

Investigations are ongoing. Authorities continue their search for the missing head and are preparing to file formal charges against all four accused. The case has drawn national attention for its brutality and the involvement of close family members in the meticulously planned killing.