Lucknow: In a shocking incident in Nishatganj, the Lucknow Metropolitan Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the murder of a 69-year-old woman, identified as Nirmala Devi. The accused include her daughter-in-law, Ranjana (35), and Rajan Sharma (21), who allegedly conspired to kill her over a personal dispute and a clandestine relationship.
Incident Overview
The crime occurred on March 21, 2026, in Nishatganj Third Gali, under the jurisdiction of the Mahangar Police Station. According to the investigation, Rajan Sharma, a tenant living in Ranjana’s house for nearly three years, had developed a close relationship with her over the past few months. Tensions between Ranjana and her mother-in-law, Nirmala Devi, further fueled the conflict, as the elderly woman often sided with her husband, Tridesh Kumar, during arguments.
Three days before the incident, Nirmala Devi had begun preparing her meals separately, and Ranjana, along with Rajan Sharma, hatched a plan to eliminate her. On the day of the murder, Ranjana allegedly instructed Rajan Sharma to “finish her today.” The duo then tied Nirmala Devi’s hands and strangled her with a saree. Post-murder, they looted her jewelry and hid it.
Police Investigation and Arrests
The case was registered at Mahangar Police Station on March 22, 2026, following a written complaint by Tridesh Kumar under FIR No. 50/2026, initially under Section 103(1) of the BNS Act and Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST Act. During the investigation, additional charges under Sections 315, 317(2), and 61(2) of the BNS Act were added.
The accused were apprehended by the Mahangar police on March 22, 2026. Rajan Sharma was arrested near Khatushyam on the main road, while Ranjana was detained near Tikaram Mandir Cut in Nishatganj. Recovered from their possession were various pieces of jewelry belonging to the deceased, including 297.160 grams of white metal and 17.570 grams of yellow metal ornaments.
Accused Details
- Rajan Sharma, son of Harendra Sharma, resident of Village Chandauli, Police Station Gauraya Kuri, District Siwan, Bihar, aged approximately 21 years.
- Ranjana, wife of Tridesh Kumar, resident of 512/441, Nishatganj Third Gali, Mahangar, Lucknow, aged approximately 35 years.
Police Team Involved in the Arrest
- A.I. Pradeep Kumar Singh
- V.U.N. Gajendra Singh
- U.N. Raju Krishna Singh
- U.N. Aryan Sharma
- U.N. Alok Kumar
- U.N. Deepak Kumar Bind
- M.U.N. Deepti
- M.H.K.A. Saroj Devi
- M.H.K.A. Pooja Bharti
- K.A. Vitesh Yadav
- K.A. Shivam Kumar
The police have confirmed that further legal proceedings against the accused are ongoing.
This case has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting domestic disputes escalating into tragic violence and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in preventing such heinous acts.
