46-Year-Old Man Murders Wife 20 Years Younger in Varanasi; Tattoo Leads Police to Accused

In a shocking incident from Varanasi, a 46-year-old auto-rickshaw driver brutally murdered his 26-year-old wife and dumped her body nearly 25 kilometers away in an attempt to destroy evidence. The case was cracked after police identified the victim through a tattoo on her hand.

The accused, identified as Pradeep Mishra, took his wife Laxmi out on the pretext of a casual outing on the night of December 19. According to police investigations, he strangled her with a muffler at a deserted location and then repeatedly struck her face with a stone, disfiguring it beyond recognition. He later transported the body and disposed of it in a remote area.

Police officials said the murder was the result of prolonged domestic discord triggered by Laxmi’s alleged relationship with another man. During interrogation, Pradeep confessed to the crime, stating that his wife was adamant about marrying her boyfriend and had left the house multiple times in the past to be with him.

Despite having two children, frequent arguments had erupted between the couple over the past six months. The accused claimed that Laxmi often taunted him about his age and appearance, saying she no longer wished to live with him. The dispute escalated on the night of December 19, culminating in the gruesome murder.

Investigations further revealed that Pradeep Mishra is a habitual offender with a long criminal history. He has at least seven cases registered against him and has previously served a 10-year sentence in a murder case at Ghazipur jail. His property has been attached by authorities on three occasions. He resided with his family in the Mahmoodpur area of Cholapur.

Police said the identity of the victim was established through a distinctive tattoo on her hand, which eventually led them to the accused. The case has once again raised serious concerns over domestic violence and crimes driven by jealousy and possessiveness.

Further legal proceedings are underway, and the accused has been taken into judicial custody.