Daijiworld Media Network- Raipur

Raipur, Jun 25: In a spine-chilling incident that has sent shockwaves across Chhattisgarh, a disabled man was brutally murdered and his body stuffed in a steel trunk filled with cement before being dumped in a deserted area of Raipur city. The accused — a married couple identified as Ankit Upadhyay and Shivani Sharma — were apprehended at Delhi Airport and brought back to Raipur late Tuesday night.

The victim, 45-year-old Kishore Paikra, had a physical disability and was reportedly under the care of the accused couple. He had recently sold a parcel of land for a sum of Rs 50 lakh. However, police investigations reveal that the couple, who allegedly brokered the deal, informed Kishore that the land fetched only Rs 30 lakh and withheld the remaining Rs 20 lakh.

When Kishore grew suspicious and began demanding the full amount, the couple is said to have hatched a cold-blooded plan to eliminate him. As per police sources, Kishore was murdered, after which his body was concealed in a large steel trunk. In a bid to erase evidence, the couple filled the trunk with cement and transported it to a secluded area.

The horrifying crime came to light on June 23 when residents of a Raipur colony raised concerns after spotting the couple with a suspiciously heavy trunk. CCTV footage from the building’s lift area and nearby shops proved crucial in tracking down the duo. The trunk was later recovered with the body encased in hardened cement, confirming the fears of a foul play.

Raipur SSP Lal Ummed Singh informed media that a police team had traced the couple’s movements using local CCTV footage and vendor testimonies. A trunk marked “Habbu Bhai” — purchased from Golbazar — provided a key lead. The shopkeeper recognised the couple, aiding further confirmation.

The accused had visited the area on June 16 under the pretext of renting a house and had secured a flat on the third floor of a building. On June 23, CCTV visuals captured them moving the trunk late at night. A vigilant resident tipped off the police, leading to the unraveling of the grisly crime.

The couple is expected to be produced before a local court, where police will seek remand for detailed interrogation. Investigators suspect more disturbing details could emerge as the probe continues.