Father's Doubt Exposes Plot: Meerut Snakebite Death Was Alleged Murder for Insurance
Atul Panwar, a 35-year-old resident of Meerut's Hastinapur, was found dead on Friday morning. His wife, Damini (30), initially told neighbours and police that he had been bitten by a venomous krait snake while sleeping. She claimed she discovered him motionless when she brought him tea. Local residents reported seeing a snake in the room, and Damini said she and their six-year-old son had slept outdoors due to the heat. Atul was rushed to the Community Health Centre in Hastinapur, where he was declared dead on arrival.
The case might have been closed as an accidental death, but Atul's father raised suspicions and insisted on a post-mortem examination despite Damini's objections. Police sent the body for autopsy and launched an investigation. Phone records revealed frequent contact between Damini and a man named Tushar alias Nikky (35), a driver employed at the private school the couple had recently opened. When confronted, Damini allegedly confessed to plotting her husband's murder.
According to police, Damini and Tushar had been in a long-term romantic relationship and conspired to kill Atul. They recruited two snake catchers, Sonu and Uday Kumar (both in their 30s), to stage the death as a snakebite. On Thursday night, Damini allegedly mixed sleeping pills into Atul's milk. After he fell into a deep sleep, she summoned Tushar and the snake catchers, who brought a live krait into the house. The snake was released onto Atul's bed, and it bit him multiple times. The reptile was left on the bed to make the death appear accidental.
Police further alleged that the motive was not only the extramarital affair but also a Rs 20 lakh life insurance policy on Atul's life. Damini and Tushar had agreed to pay Sonu and Uday Rs 5 lakh from the insurance payout for their role. The two snake catchers had already received an advance payment of Rs 15,000. All four accused—Damini, Tushar, Sonu, and Uday Kumar—have been arrested and are in police custody.
Investigators also discovered that this was not the first attempt on Atul's life. About 20 days before his death, Tushar allegedly rammed a car into Atul's motorcycle, causing a collision. Atul survived with minor injuries as he was wearing a helmet. Damini reportedly discouraged him from filing a police complaint, saying the vehicle's registration number had not been noted. Police are continuing to gather evidence and record statements. The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder and criminal conspiracy.
