Prayagraj: In a chilling tale of jealousy and deception, police in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj have arrested a 21-year-old man for allegedly murdering his cousin and setting the body ablaze over a dispute involving the victim's girlfriend.
The accused, identified as Shivam Rai, a content creator, is said to have killed his cousin Sumit Kumar alias Sahil, 20, on July 23. Investigators revealed that Shivam had grown close to Sumit's girlfriend, often recharging her mobile number, and allegedly devised a plan to eliminate his cousin to pursue her himself.
Police said Shivam lured Sumit to an isolated spot, attacked him fatally with a hammer, and then poured petrol on the body before setting it on fire to erase evidence. To mislead the family, Shivam used Sumit's phone and UPI ID to send ransom messages demanding Rs 50 lakh, tricking them into believing Sumit was alive. The family even transferred Rs 7,000 in two installments before the truth emerged.
CCTV footage and technical evidence led police to Shivam, who confessed during interrogation. The partially burnt body was later recovered. Three associates have been detained, and further investigation is underway into the shocking case that blends crime and technology.