Army man held for killing cousin

 

By Sumesh Rajan | June 1, 2025 

 

Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA: In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked northern India, an Indian Army soldier has been arrested for the brutal murder of his cousin over suspicions of an illicit affair with his wife.

 

According to Baghpat police, 27-year-old Akshay, posted in the Indian Army, has confessed to murdering his cousin Himanshu, a resident of Chhur village in Meerut, after suspecting an extramarital relationship between his wife and Himanshu. 

 

The crime took place in Kharkhoda village under the jurisdiction of Khekra police station in Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh.

 

The incident dates back five months, when Himanshu was reported missing under mysterious circumstances. Family members searched extensively, but no clues emerged. Suspicion eventually fell on Akshay, who had also gone missing shortly after Himanshu’s disappearance.

 

Following a breakthrough in the investigation, police apprehended Akshay, who then reportedly admitted to the killing. According to investigators, Akshay returned to his village on leave and convinced his wife to call Himanshu to their home. Once Himanshu arrived, Akshay allegedly shot him in the chest, then slit his throat before disposing of the body in the Hindon River.

 

A key piece of evidence—the victim’s shoe—was recovered based on Akshay’s directions, providing crucial corroboration of his confession. Police had earlier declared a reward of ₹25,000 ($300) for information leading to his arrest.

 

ASP Narendra Pratap Singh confirmed the arrest and stated, “Akshay, an army personnel, has been taken into custody in connection with the murder of his cousin Himanshu. He confessed to the crime, driven by suspicions of an extramarital relationship. One of the victim’s shoes was recovered at the site indicated by the accused, serving as primary evidence.”

 

Eight individuals had been initially detained for questioning earlier in the investigation, but Akshay had remained elusive until recently.

 

The case has raised serious concerns about the emotional and psychological toll of unchecked suspicion and how it can escalate into fatal violence—even within the bonds of family.