A 72-year-old man has been arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district for allegedly keeping the body of his daughter inside their home for nearly four months after her death, police officials said on Thursday. The incident came to light in the Sadar Bazar police station area after local residents complained about a strong foul smell coming from the house located in Teli Mohalla. Authorities later discovered the decomposed body locked inside one of the rooms of the residence.

Police identified the accused as Udaybhanu Biswas and the deceased woman as his 35-year-old daughter, Priyanka. According to preliminary investigations, Priyanka reportedly died on December 1, 2025, allegedly due to illness. Officials said Biswas did not inform authorities or relatives about her death and failed to perform the last rites. Instead, he allegedly continued living in the same house while keeping the body inside a locked room for several months.

The matter surfaced in April when neighbours became suspicious after repeatedly noticing an unbearable smell coming from the property. Residents alerted the police, who arrived at the scene and entered the house for inspection. Investigators reportedly found that the accused had allegedly been using perfume and other substances in an attempt to suppress the odour and avoid drawing attention from people living nearby.

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Following the discovery, police completed legal formalities and sent the body for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death and verify the timeline provided during the investigation. Officials said the accused was formally arrested on Wednesday after further inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities are also examining whether the man was suffering from mental health issues or emotional distress that may have influenced his actions after his daughter’s death.

The shocking case has generated widespread reaction in the local community, with residents expressing disbelief over how the incident remained unnoticed for such a long period. Cases involving individuals keeping deceased relatives at home for extended durations are rare but have occasionally surfaced in India and other countries, often linked to grief, psychological trauma, fear of isolation, or mental health complications. Investigators are expected to examine the accused’s personal and medical background as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Police officials said further investigation is underway to establish all facts connected to the case and determine whether any additional legal provisions may apply. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether other family members were aware of the situation or remained in contact with the accused during the four-month period. The incident has once again highlighted concerns surrounding mental health awareness, social isolation among elderly individuals, and the importance of community intervention in unusual or suspicious circumstances.

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