THE NEWS DESK
Faridabad/Chandigarh, June 21
In a chilling incident, the decomposed body of a 24-year-old woman was exhumed from a 10-foot-deep ditch beneath a recently cemented lane in Haryana’s Faridabad on Friday morning. The victim, identified as Tanu, hailed from Shikohabad in Uttar Pradesh and had been married for less than two years to Arun, a resident of Roshan Nagar in Faridabad. According to the police, the body was buried under a freshly laid concrete stretch adjacent to her matrimonial home. An excavator was used to unearth the remains. The body has been sent for forensic examination to determine the exact cause and time of death.
In-Laws in Custody, Murder Suspected
Faridabad police have detained four members of Tanu’s in-laws’ family—including her husband Arun, his father, mother, and a close relative—in connection with the case.
Preliminary investigation indicates the possibility of foul play. The ditch, which had been dug nearly two months prior for alleged drainage construction, raised suspicions among residents when it was hastily covered and cemented.
A History of Abuse and Dowry Demands
Tanu’s sister, Preeti, has alleged that she was subjected to persistent mental and physical abuse after her marriage in 2023. “Soon after the wedding, Arun and his parents began demanding gold and cash. My family tried to meet some of their demands, but they kept pressuring Tanu,” she told reporters.
Tanu had returned to her maternal home just months after the wedding due to alleged harassment. “She stayed with us for over a year. When we finally sent her back, the abuse resumed. They wouldn’t even let her speak to us on the phone,” Preeti added.
She further revealed that the family last attempted to reach Tanu on April 9 but found her unreachable. On April 23, her in-laws claimed she had “run away from home.” Growing suspicious, the family filed a complaint with the police, alleging foul play.
Locals Suspected Something Was Wrong
Several neighbours told the police that the father-in-law had dug a large pit in April, citing the lack of a proper drainage system. “Everyone saw the pit being dug. But soon after, the daughter-in-law was never seen again. Some of us felt something was wrong, but no one could have imagined this,” said a resident.
According to eyewitnesses, the pit was swiftly covered with a concrete slab, drawing quiet curiosity but no immediate alarm.
Police Action and Investigation
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central), Usha Kundu, confirmed that the police received a formal complaint about a week ago. “After the complaint was registered, immediate action was taken. The body has been recovered, and four suspects are in custody. A thorough investigation is underway,” she said.
The remains have been sent for forensic analysis to establish the circumstances surrounding Tanu’s death. The case has shocked the local community and is being closely monitored by senior police officials.
