Husband, Bihar-based contract killer arrested for woman’s murder; ₹2 lakh paid for murder

Two persons, including a contract killer from Bihar, were arrested by the Cyberabad police in connection with the murder of a 36-year-old woman at IDA Bollaram, uncovering a carefully planned conspiracy orchestrated by the victim’s husband.

The accused have been identified as Anil Kumar Sah, husband of the deceased Mina Devi, 36, and Ranjan, a resident of West Champaran district of Bihar. Police said efforts are underway to arrest two other accused, Rinku Kumar and Neeraj, who are currently absconding.

Mina Devi was found murdered on the outskirts of Gandigudam village on the night of May 30. Initially, Anil told police that three unidentified men had emerged from roadside bushes while the couple were returning home on a motorcycle from a vegetable market, abducted his wife and later slit her throat when he attempted to rescue her. He also claimed the assailants attacked him and fled with his motorcycle.

Based on a complaint lodged by the victim’s brother, Sonu Lal Kumar, police registered a murder case and launched an investigation. Eight teams comprising officers from the RC Puram division and the Special Operations Team were formed to crack the case.

During the investigation, police found inconsistencies in Anil’s version and uncovered a murder-for-hire plot. According to investigators, Anil had developed resentment towards his wife over domestic disputes and believed she was sending most of his earnings to her parents. Police also alleged that their relationship deteriorated after he became physically weak following an accident.

Investigators said Anil approached Rinku Kumar, whom he knew from Bihar, and offered ₹2 lakh to kill his wife. Rinku recruited Ranjan and Neeraj, and the trio travelled to Hyderabad on May 29. After meeting Anil, they planned the murder, escape route and return journey before carrying out the killing the following night.

Police said the accused abandoned the stolen motorcycle on the outskirts of the city and fled to Bihar by private bus after the murder.

Investigators further alleged that Anil attempted to mislead police by staging the crime as an abduction and sexual assault by unknown assailants. He also inflicted superficial injuries on himself to support the fabricated account.

Ranjan was arrested from his native village in Bihar and brought to Hyderabad on a transit warrant, while Anil was taken into custody locally. Police said Rinku Kumar has a criminal history involving ganja and liquor smuggling, kidnappings and other offences in Bihar, Punjab and Haryana. Neeraj is involved in multiple bodily and property offences in Bihar.

Further investigation is on.