Crime Series Fan Studies Murders Before Killing Husband
Woman uses crime shows to plot husband’s murder
In a chilling case that mirrors plots from crime web series, Jaipur police have arrested Santosh Devi (30), her friend Rishi Srivastava (25), and accomplice Mohit Sharma (22) for the brutal murder of Santosh’s husband, e-rickshaw driver Manoj Kumar, whose throat was slit on August 16 near Sumer Nagar football ground. The investigation revealed that the trio meticulously planned the murder, drawing inspiration from crime web series and internet searches on how to kill and evade detection.
Santosh, driven by years of physical assault and suspicion from Manoj, befriended Rishi while working at a bedsheet factory. Their relationship deepened, leading to a conspiracy to eliminate Manoj. Rishi enlisted Mohit, and the group spent a month researching murder techniques online, studying infamous cases, and watching crime web series to refine their plan. They purchased new SIM cards to avoid tracking and conducted reconnaissance to identify a secluded spot for the crime.
On the night of the murder, Mohit hired Manoj’s e-rickshaw under the pretext of visiting the ISKCON temple. Ten minutes into the journey, Rishi joined them, and they diverted the vehicle to a deserted farmhouse area. There, they killed Manoj using a sharp bedsheet cutter, changed their clothes and appearances, and disabled their SIM cards to cover their tracks. The absence of CCTV cameras at the crime scene initially posed a challenge, but police analyzed footage from nearby routes, identifying the suspects’ movements.
Also Read: Tragedy on Jammu-Srinagar Highway: Woman Killed in Udhampur Bus Crash
DCP (South) Rajarshi Raj Varma confirmed the arrests, noting that the trio’s planning was uncovered through their confessions and digital evidence, including search histories. The case, described as a “blind murder” due to its initial lack of leads, shocked the community, highlighting how media consumption can influence real-world crime.
