Woman arrested, husband absconding after strangling and burying lover under house floor

 

By Barnabas Karunagari | August 2, 2026

Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA: A woman has been arrested and police are searching for her husband after the alleged murder of her live-in partner, whose body was found buried beneath the floor of a house in Raebareli district, police said.

The case came to light after villagers noticed a persistent foul smell coming from the house in Belhani village under the Bhadokhar police station limits. Police were alerted and excavated the floor, where they recovered the victim's body.

According to investigators, Rita married Ram Prakash, a resident of the Bhadokhar area, in 2016. The couple have two sons. Police said the couple separated in 2020 following marital disputes, after which Rita returned to her maternal home.

During that period, Rita became acquainted with Amit Raidas. Investigators said the two later began living together after the deaths of Rita's brothers left her alone in the house. Police said the couple also had a three-year-old daughter.

Authorities allege that Rita had recently begun reconciling with her estranged husband, Ram Prakash, who had started visiting her residence again.

According to police, Amit was at the house on the night of 29 July when Ram Prakash arrived. Investigators allege that an argument broke out between the two men before Rita and her husband conspired to kill Amit.

Police allege that the couple strangled Amit using Rita's saree before burying his body beneath the floor inside the house in an attempt to conceal the alleged crime.

Investigators said the body remained hidden until a strong foul odour began emanating from the house, prompting concern among local residents. Police said Rita, reportedly overcome by fear, confessed the incident to the village head, who informed authorities.

Police officers subsequently excavated the floor of the house and recovered the body, which has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

Rita has been taken into custody, while police have launched a search for Ram Prakash, who remains absconding.

The case has been registered on the complaint of the victim's brother, Ranjeet Raidas. Police said the investigation is continuing to establish the full sequence of events and the motive behind the alleged killing.

Belhani village head Akhilesh Yadav said the incident has left local residents shocked.