Lucknow: Lucknow Police have claimed to solve the murder and robbery of a 70-year-old woman in the Ashiana area, arresting three accused and taking a minor girl into custody for her alleged involvement in the crime. Police have recovered cash, gold and silver jewellery, valuables and important documents belonging to the deceased.
The victim, Neera Gupta, wife of late Hari Ratan Gupta, was found murdered at her residence, House No. 772 in Sector-K, Ashiana, on October 27, 2026. A case was registered at Ashiana police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Murder Planned to Commit Theft
According to the police investigation, the crime was allegedly planned by the minor girl, who worked as a domestic help at the victim’s house, along with Ravi Prakash Rawat, Moni Rawat and Sarita Rawat. Police said the accused allegedly planned the robbery out of greed and administered a sedative to the elderly woman by mixing it in her milk before carrying out the crime.
As per the investigation, Sarita allegedly stood outside the house to keep watch, while Ravi, Moni and the minor girl entered the premises wearing gloves.
During the robbery, Neera Gupta reportedly woke up and resisted the intruders. Police allege that Ravi pressed a pillow against her face, while Moni and the minor girl strangled her. The minor girl allegedly struck the back of the victim’s head with an iron mortar used for crushing spices, resulting in her death.
The accused subsequently fled with cash, jewellery and other valuables.
CCTV Footage and Technical Evidence Help Crack Case
Following the incident, special police teams were constituted under the supervision of senior officers. Investigators examined CCTV footage from the house and surrounding areas and collected technical and physical evidence.
Police also investigated the activities and contacts of the domestic help. Based on CCTV footage, interrogation and other evidence, the involvement of the four suspects allegedly emerged.
Three accused were subsequently arrested, while the minor girl was taken into custody. Police said the stolen property was recovered following interrogation and searches based on the accused persons’ disclosures.
Cash, Jewellery and Passport Recovered
The recovered property includes ₹38,318 in cash, 18 yellow-metal coins, 23 silver-coloured metal coins and four copper coins.
The jewellery includes necklaces, bracelets, bangles, earrings, chains, pendants, nose rings and rings, along with an approximately 20-gram gold bar. Silver jewellery, anklets, utensils, pearl ornaments and other valuables have also been recovered.
Police additionally seized six silver-coloured metal glasses, a small water vessel, bowls, a lamp, spoons and a vermilion container.
Other recovered items include the victim’s passport, wristwatch, gas passbook, bags, suitcases, clothes and other personal belongings.
Three Adults Arrested, Minor Dealt with Under Juvenile Justice Law
The arrested accused have been identified as:
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Ravi Prakash Rawat (20), resident of Akarhaut village, Nagarām police station area, Lucknow.
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Moni Rawat (20), resident of Khairakanaku, Lonikatra police station area, Barabanki.
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Sarita Rawat (23), resident of Sukhlal Kheda, Nagarām police station area, Lucknow.
A minor girl allegedly involved in the crime has been taken into custody and is being dealt with under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Police said the adult accused have been sent to judicial custody. The case has been registered under Sections 103(1), 305(a) and 317(2), (3) and (5) of the BNS.
The operation was conducted by a team led by Ashiana Station House Officer Gajendra Kumar Rai, along with Sub-Inspectors Shubham Mehdiyan, Kulbhushan Singh, Dinesh Kumar and Agrachari Yadav, and other police personnel.
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