Madhya Pradesh Police on Thursday, 25 June arrested three persons in connection with the murder of Raghunath alias Sarju Khewar (38), a resident of Bhari village in Singrauli district, whose body was recovered under suspicious circumstances near a national highway on 21 June. The arrested include the victim's wife, her alleged lover, and his associate — cracking a case rooted in a clandestine relationship and a calculated conspiracy.

How the Body Was Found

Raghunath's body was discovered near a national highway in Singrauli on 21 June, four days before the arrests. Chitrangi Police registered a murder case and launched a formal investigation after the recovery. The body had been concealed behind a roadside boulder, according to police, in what investigators described as a deliberate attempt to hide the crime.

Who Was Arrested

Following examination of crime scene evidence and interrogation of multiple suspects, police detained three individuals: the victim's wife, Ramkali (30); her alleged lover, Neeraj Kumar Shah (23); and Shah's associate, Suraj Singh Gond (22). All three were produced before a local court following their arrest.

What the Investigation Revealed

Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Rahul Sanyam told reporters on Thursday that Ramkali had developed a relationship with Neeraj while her husband was away working in Gujarat. 'The accused considered the victim an obstacle to their relationship. They jointly planned the murder and executed it after learning that Raghunath was returning to the village,' Sanyam said.

According to police, Raghunath had returned from Gujarat on 19 June and was travelling to his in-laws' village to attend a family wedding. Upon learning of his return, the accused allegedly set their plan in motion.

How the Murder Was Carried Out

Neeraj Kumar Shah and Suraj Singh Gond allegedly lured Raghunath to a roadside location on the pretext of consuming alcohol together. Once there, the two men allegedly attacked him with a stone, inflicting fatal head injuries. 'The victim was lured to an isolated spot near the highway. He was killed by a blow to the head and his body was later dumped behind a roadside boulder in an attempt to conceal the crime,' SDOP Sanyam said.

Police added that materials allegedly used in the commission of the crime were recovered based on disclosures made by the accused during interrogation. Further investigation into the case remains underway.

Broader Pattern

This case follows a pattern seen in several rural Madhya Pradesh murder cases in recent years, where extended migration for work — particularly to industrial hubs in Gujarat and Maharashtra — has left families separated for long periods, occasionally creating circumstances that lead to domestic conflict and, in extreme cases, violence. Singrauli, a coal and energy belt district, sees significant male out-migration for employment.