By Sumesh Rajan | August 5, 2026
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA: A 31-year-old cab driver and his lover have been arrested for allegedly murdering his wife and dumping her body in the Gomti River after she reportedly objected to their extramarital relationship, police said.
The accused, identified as Umendra Pratap Singh, a resident of Rahimabad in Lucknow, had initially approached police on July 31 and filed a missing person's complaint, claiming that his wife, Anjali Singh, had disappeared during the intervening night of July 30 and 31, allegedly taking her jewellery before leaving the house.
While police were searching for the missing woman, the body of an unidentified woman was recovered from the Gomti River in the Itaunja area on July 31. The body was later identified by Anjali's family members.
Suspicion intensified after Anjali's brother accused Umendra of involvement in her death. Based on the complaint, police registered a murder case and launched a detailed investigation, analysing mobile phone locations, electronic evidence, and CCTV footage.
"What initially appeared to be a missing person case unravelled after technical evidence contradicted the husband's claims," Rahimabad Station House Officer Anil Kumar Trigunayak said.
According to the investigation, Umendra had allegedly attempted to create an alibi by portraying himself as a distressed husband searching for his missing wife. However, the digital evidence reportedly exposed inconsistencies in his version of events.
Police said Umendra was arrested near Adaura Mod on August 1. During interrogation, he allegedly confessed that he and his alleged lover, Aarti Verma (31), a call centre employee, had conspired to kill Anjali after she discovered their relationship and repeatedly opposed it.
Investigators said the two first met around seven months ago when Umendra, working as a cab driver, picked up Aarti, who had booked a ride. Their acquaintance allegedly developed into a romantic relationship over the following months.
According to police, the duo allegedly smothered Anjali and strangled her on the night of July 30. After her death, they allegedly wrapped her body in a blanket, transported it in a hatchback car, and dumped it into the Gomti River near Itaunja.
Police further alleged that Umendra removed Anjali's jewellery from the house and handed it over to Aarti to create the impression that his wife had eloped with her valuables before filing the missing complaint.
Following Aarti's arrest, police recovered 32 gold and silver ornaments worth approximately ₹8–10 lakh, two mobile phones, and the car allegedly used in the crime.
Both accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
Police also said Umendra has a prior criminal record, including an assault case registered against him in Hardoi district in 2020. His criminal history in other districts is currently being verified.
Further investigation into the case is ongoing.
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