Shahjahanpur – An assistant engineer of the Public Works Department, Rakesh Kumar, along with his girlfriend, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a local court. The couple was found guilty of murdering the girlfriend’s mother.

According to reports, Pushpa, a resident of Kandra village in Hardoi, was employed as a cook at Rakesh Kumar’s home, while Rakesh’s wife, Pinky, lived separately. During this time, a romantic relationship developed between Rakesh and Pushpa. When Pushpa’s mother, Rambeti, learned about their relationship, she opposed it vehemently. In response, Rakesh hatched a plan to murder Rambeti.

On the night of July 27, 2023, Rakesh and Pushpa entered Rambeti’s house, located in the DM Compound area. Pushpa covered her mother’s mouth while Rakesh struck her with a metal rod, resulting in her death. To conceal their crime, they attempted to destroy evidence by pouring acid on the body.

Following the incident, Pushpa began falsely accusing neighbors, but a police investigation connected the dots and revealed that she and her lover were indeed the perpetrators. Rakesh and Pushpa were arrested on October 17, although they were later released on bail.

In a verdict delivered by Additional District Judge Ashish Verma, both were found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.