Neglected’ by husband, second wife strangles him to death in his sleep

 

By Sagaya Fernando | August 31, 2025

Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA: A 30-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly strangling her husband to death while he was asleep, after claiming he continuously neglected her in favour of his first wife, police said.

The incident took place on August 29 in Tanda Majra village under the Bhopa police station limits. The accused, identified as Kavita, was taken into custody on Saturday August 3 following a complaint lodged by the victim’s father, Bhopal Singh.

According to police officials, the victim, Sanjay Kumar (40), was Kavita’s husband and a resident of Tanda Majra. He had two wives — his first wife continues to live in the family’s native village, while Kavita lived with him separately.

Station House Officer (SHO) Dinesh Chand Bhagel confirmed the arrest, stating, “Sanjay Kumar was killed by his second wife, Kavita, while he was sleeping. We were informed about the crime by the victim’s father, who suspected foul play.”

During interrogation, Kavita allegedly confessed to the murder. She told police that she strangled Sanjay in his sleep because he would “constantly neglect” her and favour his first wife. She claimed her grievances and frustrations over being side-lined in the marriage ultimately led her to commit the crime.

Preliminary investigations suggest the couple had been married since 2000, and domestic tensions had persisted for years due to Sanjay’s divided attention between his two wives.

The victim’s body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further investigations are underway. Police are also recording statements of family members and neighbours to understand the background of the strained relationship.

Authorities have booked Kavita under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for murder. She remains in judicial custody while the investigation continues.