Lucknow: In a chilling case that has shocked the city, Lucknow Police have cracked the brutal murder of a man allegedly killed by his own friends over a business dispute. The incident took place in the Gudamba area, where 45-year-old Umashankar Singh was found with his throat slit in a rented house in Arjun Enclave.
According to police officials, the crime was motivated by a long-standing financial dispute. Umashankar had reportedly lent around ₹60 lakh to two of the accused for business purposes, but their relationship soured over time due to personal conflicts and alleged mistreatment.
Following a complaint filed on June 24 by Umashankar’s wife, Mamta Singh, police registered a case under Section 103(1)/61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 4/25 of the Arms Act.
Swift Arrests and Breakthrough
Taking the case seriously, a special joint team comprising officials from the Police Commissionerate, DCP East, ACP Ghazipur, and the Crime Branch was formed. Based on electronic surveillance and CCTV footage, four suspects were identified and arrested near the Behata flyover on Friday morning at 10:45 AM:
-
Sanjay Kumar Chauhan (36)
-
Shiva Singh alias Shivram Singh (34)
-
Kavinandan Singh alias Chhotu (26)
-
Abhinandan Singh (45)
Recovery of Murder Weapons
Based on the accused’s confession, police recovered a black bag hidden in the thorn bushes of Atarauli village. The bag contained:
-
Two blood-stained machetes (chhapar)
-
A sharp stabbing tool (sooja)
-
A blood-soaked orange kurta
-
Another kurta worn during the crime
-
Two raincoats and a black scarf
These weapons and clothes provided crucial forensic evidence, leading to additional charges under the Arms Act.
The Motive: Money and Revenge
During interrogation, it was revealed that Umashankar had lent money to Sanjay and Shiva but allegedly began abusing them under the influence of alcohol. He reportedly treated them like servants, which caused growing resentment. Unable to repay the debt and enraged by his behavior, the accused conspired to murder him. They executed the plan with brutal precision, using machetes to slit his throat.
Police Commended for Swift Action
The case was solved by a joint effort of the Crime Branch, Surveillance Team, and Gudamba Police Station. The team included the SHO, sub-inspectors, head constables, and constables. Their swift and strategic approach has been widely appreciated.
This case not only highlights the tragic consequences of broken trust in business relationships but also underscores the dangers of unchecked financial disputes and personal enmity turning violent. The investigation is ongoing, and further legal action is expected.