Gorakhpur Police have arrested Vijay Kumar Sahni, his wife Sandhya, and father-in-law Rambilas Sahni in connection with the murder of Vijay’s former live-in partner, Priya Shetty (35), whose body was found under Barghatta bridge in PP Ganj on January 30.
Officials said the accused mutilated the victim’s face to hide her identity, and Vijay even shaved his head and beard post-crime. Priya, a resident of Mumbai, was allegedly strangled by Vijay, with assistance from his wife. Her body was then dumped about 20 feet below the bridge, and her face was smashed with bricks.
According to the police, CCTV footage and surveillance, along with an autorickshaw driver present on the night of the crime, were crucial in tracing the accused.
Vijay reportedly had a long-standing relationship with Priya since 2012, during which they had a son and lived together in Mumbai. After separating, Vijay married Sandhya in 2014. Priya later reconnected with him and allegedly pressured him to visit his native place, threatening public trouble otherwise.
On January 26, Vijay brought Priya and Sandhya from Mumbai to Gorakhpur. Following days of drinking and arguments, the trio reached PP Ganj on January 29. A quarrel escalated near the bridge, leading Vijay, with Sandhya’s help, to strangle Priya, after which they attempted to destroy evidence by dumping her body.
All three accused have been sent to judicial custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
