Ex-village head, father of 18, murdered; lover and her brother held

 

By Sumesh Rajan | March 24, 2026

Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA: In a chilling case that has sent shockwaves through rural Uttar Pradesh, a former village head was found murdered days after he went missing, with police arresting his alleged lover and her brother for the crime.

The deceased, identified as Mustaka Gulshan alias Munna, was a former pradhan (village head) of Sumerpur village. His body was recovered from a canal on March 22, stuffed inside a sack, police said.

According to investigators, Munna, who had two wives and 18 children, had developed a relationship with a married woman, Suman Devi, whose husband had migrated for work. Police allege that what began as assistance with daily chores gradually turned into a coercive relationship, with Munna reportedly forcing the affair and later blackmailing her.

Distressed by the alleged harassment, Suman confided in her brother. The two then allegedly conspired to eliminate Munna.

Murder Planned, Executed at Maternal Home

Police said the accused lured Munna to Suman’s maternal home on March 18. As soon as he arrived, Suman’s brother and his accomplices allegedly attacked him with iron rods, killing him on the spot.

The accused then packed the body in a sack and dumped it in a nearby canal. In an apparent attempt to mislead investigators, Munna’s motorcycle was abandoned at a different location.

Missing Case Cracked Through Call Records

The case initially surfaced as a missing person complaint filed by Munna’s family. During the probe, police traced his last phone calls, which led them to Suman. Based on technical evidence and questioning, the accused confessed, officials said.

Two persons—Suman Devi and her brother—have been arrested, while efforts are underway to track down other accomplices involved in the killing.

Large Family, Political Ambitions

Munna is survived by his two wives and 18 children—each wife having six sons and three daughters. One of his daughters is married, sources said. Family members said he was planning to contest the upcoming village elections.

Police said further investigation is ongoing, and forensic reports are awaited.