Couple stabbed to death in front of 6-year-old:Child identifies victims as parents, accused claimed 7-year marriage

In Madhya Pradesh Crime Files today, we revisit a chilling double murder that sent shockwaves through Bhopal. On 18 July 2022, in broad daylight on a busy road, a six-year-old girl watched in terror as her parents were brutally attacked with knives and sticks by three assailants. Passersby could only look on helplessly as the violence unfolded. When the police arrived at the scene, it was too late. Both parents had been killed, leaving the child traumatised and a complex web of relationships for investigators to untangle. What seemed at first like a simple case of domestic violence soon revealed itself to be a deeply complicated and shocking story. What happened that night? 18 July 2022, 8 PM. Around eight o’clock at night on Semra Road in Bhopal’s densely populated Ashoka Garden area, the roads glistened under the streetlights, wet from a day-long drizzle. On this very road, a man and a woman lay lifeless, covered in blood. Their six-year-old daughter sat beside them, screaming and crying in shock and fear. Her cries pierced the terrifying silence. A large crowd had gathered. A short distance away, the crowd had caught a man, beating him with punches and kicks. He held a blood-stained knife, from which drops were still falling, while his hands and clothes were smeared with blood. Couple died before reaching hospital Within minutes, the police arrived at the scene, their sirens blaring. The crowd handed over the assailant to the police. Officers rushed the injured to hospital, but it was too late. Both victims had died before reaching the hospital. No statement could be taken from them, which could have been a crucial link in the case. The police now faced three things: two dead bodies, a terrified child, and a killer claiming to be the deceased woman’s husband. The child confirmed to police that the deceased were her mother and father. At first glance, the case seemed simple: a husband caught his wife and her lover red-handed and murdered them in a fit of rage. Police were looking for answers to three questions Some questions complicated this apparently simple story: It did not take long for the police to realise this was not just a simple street crime. Behind it lay a long, complicated story of hatred, deceit, and simmering relationships, with roots stretching back many years. A tangled web of relationships The script of this bloody story began in Vidisha in 2014. There were three main characters: First marriage and divorce Rachna, a resident of Vidisha, married Ramesh, also from Vidisha, in 2014. The early days of the marriage went well, but disagreements and quarrels soon emerged. Exhausted by the daily strife, Rachna decided to end the marriage and returned to her parental home. Sunil’s arrival and second marriage After leaving her first husband, Rachna faced the most difficult period of her life. During this time, Sunil Malviya entered her life. Their initial conversations began on social media, later progressing to phone calls, and eventually turned into love. Sunil proposed marriage to Rachna. For Rachna, still hurting from her first marriage, Sunil’s companionship was a balm. She saw hope for happiness in the relationship, and a few months later, they married in a love marriage. Her life was now back on track, happier than in her first marriage. The couple settled in Bhopal, living contentedly together for seven years. Twist in the story: Rachna’s sudden disappearance In January 2022, the happy family faced turmoil. One day, Rachna suddenly disappeared from home with both children. Sunil searched extensively but could not trace her. She had gone to live with her brother Devendra’s family in Bhopal. Seven months later, Sunil discovered her whereabouts. Meanwhile, their son’s birthday approached. Sunil travelled to Bhopal on this pretext, but his mind was consumed by revenge. The day of conspiracy and murder Upon reaching Bhopal, Sunil began staking out Rachna. He discovered she was living with another man. His suspicion turned into certainty, and he plotted to kill Rachna and her partner. He involved two others in the plan: his brother-in-law, Rachna’s real brother Devendra Malviya, and his paternal cousin Rohit Malviya. The night of 18 July: The crime That night, Rachna was riding a bike with her partner and six-year-old daughter. Sunil, Devendra, and Rohit followed on another bike, carrying a sharp knife and two strong sticks. Near Kamal Atta Chakki on Semra Road, as Rachna’s bike slowed at a speed breaker, the three attackers got off and assaulted them. In the struggle, the bike lost balance and all three fell. Sunil drew a knife and began attacking Rachna and her partner indiscriminately, leaving the child unharmed but witnessing the brutal assault. Both victims were left half-dead on the road. Witness on the roof A man named Kamlesh Lodhi, standing on a nearby rooftop, saw the entire incident and raised an alarm. Madansingh and other residents came out, prompting the attackers to flee. Devendra and Rohit discarded their sticks and escaped under the cover of darkness. Police investigation and unanswered questions After being apprehended, Sunil Malviya confessed. He admitted suspecting his wife of having an affair. Upon discovering her relationship firsthand, he decided to kill her and her partner. Police launched a search for the absconding Devendra and Rohit. The case became one of Bhopal’s most talked-about criminal incidents. While the murder mystery was solved, many questions remained: Read in Part-2 of Crime Files –