UP: Wife, Lover Among Four Arrested for Dismembering, Dumping Man's Body In River

Four people, including a woman, have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a man whose dismembered body was discovered near a river in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, police said on Tuesday.

The murder is believed to have been orchestrated by the victim's wife, along with her lover and his two associates, reported India Today.

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While the victim's limbs and torso have been recovered, police are still searching for his head.

According to officials, 50-year-old Maya Devi, her partner Anil Yadav, his associate Satish Yadav, and a car driver named Mithilesh have confessed to killing Devendra Kumar. They admitted to dismembering his body into six parts and disposing of it near the Ghaghra river.

In a twist of irony, Maya Devi had initially filed a missing person's report for her husband, prompting police to begin their investigation on May 10.

"Maya Devi submitted a written complaint to Ballia Thana Kotwali on May 10, claiming her husband, Devendra Kumar-a retired BRO wing Army personnel-had gone to Buxar railway station in Bihar to collect their daughter but had not returned. She also stated that his phone had been switched off," said Superintendent Omveer Singh.

During the probe, authorities discovered body parts near the Ghaghra river. On May 12, the torso was found and later confirmed to be that of Devendra Kumar.

Following the identification, police arrested Maya Devi, her lover, and the two other accused. Two suspects were apprehended after a brief encounter, during which Anil Yadav sustained a gunshot wound. Upon questioning, the group admitted to discarding Kumar's remains in the river.

Search efforts using divers are ongoing as police continue to look for the victim's head. Further investigation is underway.