Jhansi: A four-year-old’s drawing has played a crucial role in helping Uttar Pradesh police solve a suspected murder case, leading to the arrest of a man accused of killing his wife. The woman was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Jhansi, and her daughter’s drawing described the violent incident that unfolded in the family home.
The tragic event took place in the Shiv Parivar Colony area of Jhansi's Kotwali region, where a 27-year-old woman, Sonali, was found dead under suspicious circumstances. Her family immediately suspected foul play, alleging that she had been murdered by her husband, Sandeep Budholia, and his family.
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Sonali’s father, Sanjeev Tripathi, revealed that his daughter had married Sandeep in 2019. Despite providing a dowry of ₹20 lakh in cash and gifts, the marriage was fraught with issues, as Sandeep and his family continually demanded more dowry, including a car. When the demands were not met, Sonali reportedly faced physical and mental abuse.
The breakthrough in the investigation came from an unexpected source: Sonali’s four-year-old daughter. In a viral video, the young girl can be seen drawing a sketch that depicted what she had witnessed. While sketching, the child claimed her father beat her mother and that her grandmother had pushed her mother down the stairs. The child also described how her father strangled her mother.
The child's testimony, alongside her drawing, has been crucial in confirming the family's suspicions and prompted authorities to act quickly.
History of dowry harassment
Sanjeev Tripathi, Sonali’s father, accused his daughter’s in-laws of harassing her for dowry since the start of the marriage. He stated that despite providing a significant dowry, the family continued to pressurise Sonali for more. According to Tripathi, a previous dowry harassment case had been filed against Sandeep, but it was settled after assurances from his family that the abuse would cease.
The police have registered an FIR against Sandeep, his mother Vineeta, his elder brother Krishna Kumar, and his sister-in-law Manisha, under various sections, including those related to dowry death and cruelty against a woman. Additionally, the police have charged the accused under Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act.
Police investigation, arrest
Following the tragic death, the police launched an investigation, sending Sonali’s body for an autopsy. The police detained her husband, Sandeep Budholia, for questioning. Authorities are continuing their search for the other suspects involved in the crime.
According to reports, Sonali was forcefully called back to her husband’s home after attending a wedding on Sunday. Later that night, she was allegedly strangled by her husband, with the help of his family members. Afterward, the in-laws admitted her to a hospital, but left her daughter behind before fleeing. They only returned after the police intervened.
Published: 18 Feb 2025, 10:45 am IST
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