A Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) constable has been arrested for allegedly conspiring with his brother in the murder of a 20-year-old Dalit woman in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district.
The accused, identified as 31-year-old Ankit, is the latest person to be arrested in the killing of Lalita Gautam. His brother, Ankush Kumar, had already been arrested earlier on charges of murdering the woman following an alleged argument.
Woman Went Missing Before Her Body Was Found
According to police, Lalita Gautam’s father reported her missing at TP Nagar Police Station on May 16.
The following day, her body was found in a forested area near Upsiya village. Based on her father’s complaint, police registered an FIR against Ankush Kumar on charges of murder.
Police arrested Ankush on May 18 after examining CCTV footage and other evidence linking him to the crime.
The victim’s father had alleged that her body had been disfigured using a chemical. However, police said the post-mortem examination did not support that claim.
Investigation Points to PAC Constable’s Alleged Role
During the investigation, police found that Ankit, who was on leave from the PAC at the time of the incident, was allegedly present at the crime scene.
Investigators claim he conspired with his brother in the murder and later helped destroy evidence.
According to police, Ankit had taken leave from May 11, stating that his wife was expected to deliver a baby on May 15. However, witnesses and residents of his village allegedly disputed this claim.
Police also noted that Ankit returned to his village on May 11—the same day Lalita Gautam reportedly wrote a letter expressing fear for her life.
Investigators further alleged that Ankit was upset over an earlier dispute involving his brother and the victim.
Booked Under SC/ST Act
Police have booked Ankit under charges of murder, criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence, along with provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Following his arrest, he was produced before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody.
