Lucknow | A torn saree clinging to skeletal remains found in a mustard field in Nagram on January 7 proved to be the crucial clue that helped police solve the murder of 30-year-old Poonam, who had been missing for over a month. The investigation revealed that the crime was driven by resentment over a broken marriage promise, leading to the arrest of her neighbour on Sunday.
Local resident Pitambar identified the saree as similar to the one worn by his wife, Poonam, who went missing on December 12, 2025. A missing person’s report had already been registered at Nagram police station, prompting an ongoing search.
As police traced Poonam’s last known movements, suspicion fell on Ashish Kumar (20), a neighbour who was in regular contact with her. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Vasanth Rallapalli said that Ashish had been assured by Poonam that she would help arrange his marriage with her elder sister’s daughter and had even facilitated initial talks between the two families.
“When the girl’s marriage was later fixed elsewhere, Ashish felt cheated. What appeared to be a friendly relationship gradually turned into deep resentment,” Rallapalli said.
A joint investigation by the Nagram police and the surveillance cell, using technical analysis, local intelligence, and informer inputs, led to Ashish’s arrest on January 19. Police confirmed that he has no prior criminal history.
According to investigators, on December 12, Ashish called Poonam to a garden in Kubhara village, where he allegedly strangled her to death in a fit of rage. He initially left the body at the spot and later dumped it about 25 kilometers away.
“When Poonam’s family began searching for her, the accused panicked. Around 10 pm the same night, he transported the body to a mustard field west of the village and abandoned it there,” the ADCP said.
Police further stated that Ashish removed Poonam’s anklet and locket before disposing of the body. The jewellery was later recovered from his possession based on his disclosure and was identified by the victim’s family.
After completing all legal formalities, Ashish Kumar was produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody. Police said further investigation is underway to complete the case diary and related procedures.
