Meerut Snake Murder Accused Cries Through Day 1 In Jail, May Share Barracks With 'Blue Drum Killer'
Meerut Snake Murder Accused Cries Through Day 1 In Jail, May Share Barracks With 'Blue Drum Killer' Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 20
Meerut Snake Murder Accused Cries Through Day 1 In Jail, May Share Barracks With 'Blue Drum Killer' Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 08:12 IST The woman, who is accused of killing her husband, repeatedly asked jail officials to arrange a meeting with her lover, who is lodged in the men’s barracks of the same prison Rapid Read The woman has reportedly broken down several times while remembering her children and family. (News18) The woman accused of plotting her husband’s murder with a venomous snake in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut spent her first day in jail crying and repeatedly asking prison officials to arrange a meeting with her alleged lover, who is lodged in the men’s barracks of the same prison. Jail authorities, however, turned down the request, citing prison rules. According to jail officials, the accused has remained withdrawn since her arrival, crying frequently and speaking little to fellow inmates. She has reportedly broken down several times while remembering her children and family, struggling to adjust to life behind bars after her arrest in one of the most sensational murder cases.
The woman is also expected to share the women’s enclosure with Muskan Rastogi, the prime accused in Meerut’s high-profile “blue drum" murder case. Jail authorities periodically shift inmates for administrative and security reasons, bringing together two women accused in separate crimes that shocked the nation. The developments inside Meerut District Jail come days after police claimed to have cracked an elaborate murder conspiracy involving the victim’s wife, her alleged lover and two accomplices. According to police, the victim, Atul Panwar, a school owner in Hastinapur, had become an obstacle to his wife’s alleged relationship with the school’s driver. Police allege that the accused conspired to eliminate him and claim his life insurance payout of nearly Rs 20 lakh. Police said the murder was planned over several weeks. Before allegedly using a venomous snake, the accused first tried to kill Atul in a staged road accident. That attempt failed after he survived, prompting the group to allegedly hatch a more unusual and carefully planned conspiracy. On the night of the murder, police allege that Atul was sedated before a live venomous snake was released onto his bed.
His death initially appeared to be an accidental snakebite, delaying suspicion and allowing the accused to portray it as a tragic incident. However, police said inconsistencies during the initial inquiry and forensic findings raised serious questions. Officers examined mobile phone records, questioned family members and associates, and pieced together the sequence of events before arresting the victim’s wife, her alleged lover and two other accused. During questioning, police claim the accused admitted to planning the murder. Police also allege that the accomplices had been promised a share of the insurance money in return for helping execute the conspiracy. Police officials say murders allegedly carried out using venomous snakes are extremely rare and among the most difficult to investigate, requiring extensive forensic evidence to distinguish homicide from an accidental snakebite. All four accused are currently in judicial custody as police continue collecting forensic, financial and digital evidence. Prosecutors are expected to rely heavily on scientific evidence to establish the alleged conspiracy before the court. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What evidence will prosecutors use to prove the snake murder conspiracy?
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