RAEBARELI, August 2 — A murder investigation is underway in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, following the discovery of a man’s body buried beneath the floor of a residential house. The victim has been identified by police as Amit Raidas. The alleged crime came to light after local villagers reported a persistent foul smell emanating from the property, prompting intervention by law enforcement personnel.
Investigators allege Rita, the victim’s live-in partner, and her husband, Ram Prakash, are responsible for the death and subsequent concealment of the body.
Timeline of Events
According to police statements, the relationships involved are complex. Rita had married Ram Prakash in 2016, and the couple had two sons. On the timeline, in 2020, following a dispute with Ram Prakash, Rita returned to her maternal home.
During this period, the record shows she reportedly entered into a relationship with Amit Raidas, who subsequently began living with her. Rita and Amit also had a three-year-old daughter.
Investigators note that Rita had recently re-established contact with her husband, Ram Prakash, who had started visiting the house again. Police reported that on the night of July 29, Ram Prakash arrived at the house while Amit Raidas was present. An argument reportedly ensued between the two men.
Authorities allege Rita and Ram Prakash then strangled Amit Raidas using a saree. To conceal the crime, they subsequently buried his body beneath the floor inside the house.
Local Context
The discovery of the body has initiated a police investigation into the alleged murder and the circumstances surrounding the complex relationships of those involved. Raebareli, where the incident occurred, is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It serves as the administrative headquarters of the Raebareli district and is part of the Lucknow Division, falling under the Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region (UP-SCR).
The city, situated on the banks of the Sai River, holds a central position among four metropolitan hubs: Lucknow, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Kanpur. As of 2011, Raebareli recorded a population of 191,316 people, residing in 35,197 households.
The city’s history, according to local records, traces its origins to being founded by Bhars, originally known as Bharauli or Barauli. The prefix “Rae” originates from the title “Rai,” historically borne by the Kayasth rulers of the region. The city’s historical significance is underscored by its architectural features, including a strong and spacious fort.
This fort was constructed by Ibrahim Shah of the Jaunpur Sultanate in 820 AH. While largely in ruins today, consisting of an outer layer of brick surrounding an earthwork core, it remains a notable landmark.
Outside its western gate lies the shrine of the Muslim saint Makhdum Saiyid Jafri, a site of local lore. Since the time of Ibrahim Shah, Raebareli has continuously maintained its status as an important regional town. The district itself was formally created by the British in 1858, taking its name from its headquarters town.
The ongoing investigation will likely continue to unfold within this historically rich, administratively significant locale.
