Meerut: In a case that has stunned Uttar Pradesh, what first appeared to be a fatal snakebite has unravelled into an alleged cold-blooded murder conspiracy. Police claim a private school owner was drugged and deliberately bitten by a venomous snake, allegedly by his wife, her lover and two snake charmers, to disguise the killing as a natural death. The accused were allegedly motivated by an illicit relationship and a ₹20 lakh life insurance payout.

The victim, Atul Panwar (35), who ran a private school in Hastinapur, was found unconscious in his rented house on Friday morning. His wife, Damini, told police that he had died after being bitten by a snake while asleep. A live snake was found near the bed, seemingly supporting her claim. However, Atul’s family immediately suspected foul play and accused Damini of murder, prompting an intensive police investigation.

Affair led to murder plot, say police

According to investigators, Damini was allegedly involved in an affair with Tushar, a school bus driver employed at Atul’s school. Police say the duo viewed Atul as an obstacle and conspired to eliminate him.

Investigators allege the couple first mixed sleeping pills into Atul’s food, rendering him unconscious. Tushar then allegedly contacted two snake charmers, who brought a highly venomous krait to the house. While Atul was in deep sleep, the snake was allegedly made to bite him before being left beside the body to make the death appear accidental.

Insurance angle surfaces

Police also claim the accused planned to claim ₹20 lakh under Atul’s life insurance policy after his death. Investigators believe the murder was driven by both the alleged extramarital relationship and financial gain.

Fabricated story exposed

To avoid suspicion, Damini allegedly told police she had spent the night sleeping outside the room with her six-year-old son because of the heat. She claimed she discovered Atul unconscious when she returned with tea the following morning and raised an alarm. Neighbours rushed him to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Police say forensic evidence, questioning and digital clues exposed inconsistencies in her version, leading investigators to uncover the alleged conspiracy.

Love marriage ends in tragedy

Atul and Damini had married for love several years ago despite opposition from their families and jointly ran Krishna Kids Public School in Hastinapur. Police believe the alleged affair with Tushar began after he joined the school as a bus driver.

Police have arrested Damini, Tushar and the two alleged snake charmers. They have been booked on charges including murder and criminal conspiracy, while forensic and post-mortem reports are expected to play a key role in the prosecution.

The shocking case has sent waves across Uttar Pradesh, with investigators describing it as one of the most unusual murder plots in recent years, where a venomous snake was allegedly turned into a weapon to execute a carefully planned killing.