• Police uncover a bizarre crime inspired by the perpetrator’s study of crime novels

• A meticulous month-long plan ends with the killer being exposed through investigations and evidence analysis

Police in Pune, India, uncovered a bizarre crime resembling a crime novel, where a man killed his wife after suspecting her of cheating, burned her body, and hid the evidence, before filing a missing person report, which ultimately led to his capture.

The report stated that a 42-year-old businessman suspected his wife, who worked as a teacher, of having an affair. He confronted her, but she refused to end the relationship.

Angry, the man began studying ways to get rid of her, immersing himself in crime novels and crime TV shows to devise a detailed plan that lasted about a month.

Inspector Nilesh Badakh from Warje Malwadi Police said, “He watched crime films and TV programs to gather ideas. He then rented a warehouse in Gogalwadi Phata near Shindewadi for 18,000 rupees per month, about 2 km from the main road. He equipped the warehouse with an iron box and kept it there, along with two bags of wood he purchased from Warje.”

On October 26, the man tried to reconcile with his wife, taking her for a drive under the pretext of reconnecting. He bought her some street snacks, then stopped at the warehouse under another pretense.

The officer explained, “While she was eating, he strangled her, placed her body in the iron box, set it on fire, and later disposed of the ashes in a river. He then cleaned the box and sold it to a scrap dealer.”

The man returned home and acted as if nothing had happened. Two days later, he expressed concern over his missing wife and filed a report.

He then began inserting himself into the investigation, visiting the police repeatedly.

Despite initial confusion, investigations—including reviewing CCTV footage and call records—helped uncover the crime and bring him to justice.