Chandan Verma, accused of murdering a family of four in Amethi on October 3, was shot and injured by police on Saturday after attempting to escape custody. Verma, involved in an illicit affair with the deceased’s wife, was arrested on October 4 and is currently receiving treatment at Gauriganj District Hospital for a gunshot wound in his leg.
According to the police, Verma tried to flee when he was being taken to recover the weapon used in the murder. He allegedly snatched a pistol from Sub-Inspector Madan Kumar and fired at the police, leading to a retaliatory shot that injured him. “Verma attempted to attack the police team, and in response, our officials fired, injuring him in the leg,” said Harendra Kumar, Additional Superintendent of Police, Amethi.
The victims, Sunil Kumar, a 35-year-old government school teacher, his 32-year-old wife Poonam, and their two daughters, Drishti and Lado, were all shot dead in their home in Ahorwa Bhawani, Amethi. Investigations revealed the killings were the result of Verma’s affair with Poonam, which had been ongoing for over a year.
“Chandan Verma had been in a relationship with Poonam Bharti, the wife of the deceased Sunil Kumar. This incident was a culmination of that affair,” said Anoop Kumar Singh, Superintendent of Police, Amethi. He added that Verma opened fire at anyone who came in his way and even attempted suicide, but the bullet missed.
The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) arrested Verma near Jewar toll plaza following an intensive manhunt. The police formed five teams to track his movements, which led them to different routes, including Prayagraj. Verma had initially fled the scene on a two-wheeler after committing the murders.
Police had earlier uncovered a cryptic WhatsApp status from Verma, stating, “5 people are going to die.” Investigators later confirmed that the number referred to his plan to kill the four family members before taking his own life.
The case took a significant turn when it was discovered that Poonam had lodged a harassment complaint against Verma on August 18 under the SC/ST Act. She had warned authorities that if anything happened to her or her family, Verma should be held responsible.
The brutal killings of the Dalit family have sparked widespread outrage, with political parties condemning the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences, while the Opposition criticized the state government’s handling of public safety.
