Prem Kumar killed 22-year-old Shivani Singh over jealousy, suspicion and her recent engagement
Lucknow: A shocking murder case from Uttar Pradesh’s capital Lucknow has exposed a disturbing story of obsession, jealousy and a deadly love triangle after a 22-year-old woman was allegedly murdered by her longtime boyfriend just days after her engagement.
Police said the accused, identified as delivery boy Prem Kumar Manjhi, brutally killed Shivani Singh in the Sushant Golf City area after becoming enraged over her engagement to another man and her growing friendship with an office colleague. The crime has sent shockwaves across the city due to the horrifying details revealed during the investigation.
According to police officials, the accused confessed that he had been in a relationship with Shivani for nearly seven to eight years. However, tensions reportedly escalated over the last few months after Shivani became close to a colleague named Manish while working at a real estate company in Lucknow.
Love Triangle and Engagement Triggered Deadly Murder Plot
Investigators revealed that Shivani recently got engaged to a man named Prakash on May 14 following arrangements made by her family. Wedding preparations had reportedly already begun at home.
Police said Prem Kumar became emotionally disturbed after learning about the engagement and allegedly grew increasingly suspicious over Shivani’s interactions with her colleague Manish. During interrogation, the accused claimed he had seen photographs of Shivani and Manish together on her mobile phone, which intensified his jealousy and anger.
Officials believe the combination of suspicion, emotional obsession and Shivani’s engagement ultimately triggered the murder conspiracy.
“The accused confessed that he could not accept Shivani’s engagement and believed she was moving away from him,” a police source said.
Accused Took Shivani to Forest Before Brutal Killing
According to the investigation, Shivani left her house on Sunday morning around 9:30 am for office as usual when Prem Kumar allegedly intercepted her on the way. Police said he convinced her to accompany him on his motorcycle under the pretext of discussing their relationship.
He then reportedly took her to a deserted forested area near the Utretia railway line in Lucknow.
Investigators stated that an argument broke out between the two regarding her engagement and alleged closeness with Manish. During the confrontation, the accused allegedly strangled Shivani using a rubber water-levelling pipe.
Police further revealed that after Shivani lost consciousness, Prem Kumar allegedly crushed her head with a cement brick lying nearby in an attempt to destroy her identity and ensure her death. The body was later hidden inside bushes before the accused fled from the scene.
Authorities also said the accused threw Shivani’s mobile phone into the Telibagh Canal to destroy evidence.
Mother Identified Daughter After Police Recovered Body
The murder came to light on Monday morning after passersby spotted the body of a young woman in the forest area and informed police authorities.
Meanwhile, Shivani’s parents had already begun searching for her after she failed to return home on Sunday night. Her mother, who works as a domestic helper, later identified her daughter after police showed her photographs recovered during the investigation.
Police formed four separate investigation teams and used CCTV footage, technical surveillance and local intelligence to trace the accused within hours.
Prem Kumar was subsequently arrested and reportedly confessed to the murder during interrogation. Police confirmed that the accused has now been sent to judicial custody.
Lucknow Murder Case Raises Questions Over Obsession and Relationship Violence
The investigation into the case is continuing, and police are expected to file a detailed chargesheet after completing forensic and technical examinations related to the murder.
