A reported snakebite death in Meerut has turned into a murder investigation that has disturbed local residents. Atul Panwar, 35, had married Damini in 2019 after a love match and they lived with their six-year-old son. Four months earlier the family had moved into a rented house in J Block Colony. In April they started a school in hopes of a new beginning.
Panwar was discovered dead on Friday morning. Damini told authorities that a venomous snake had bitten him during sleep and that she found him unresponsive while bringing tea. Marks from bites appeared on his hands and legs, according to reports.
Neighbors arrived and some said they had seen the snake. Damini explained that summer heat led her and the child to sleep outside while Panwar remained indoors alone.
Medical staff pronounced him dead upon arrival at the hospital. The incident first appeared to be an unfortunate accident. However Panwar’s father suspected foul play and insisted on a post-mortem examination despite strong protests from Damini. The examination revealed critical new information.
Investigators examined phone records and conducted interviews. They found repeated calls between Damini and a 35-year-old driver named Tushar, also known as Nikky. When presented with the evidence Damini reportedly admitted involvement.
She confessed to planning the killing with her alleged lover. Four individuals have been detained: Damini, Tushar, and two snake catchers named Sonu and Uday Kumar, who are accused of providing the snake.
Police described the scheme as deliberate. On Thursday night Damini allegedly gave Panwar milk laced with sedatives. Once he was unconscious Tushar arrived with the snake catchers and released the reptile onto the bed. The snake bit the defenseless man and was left in place to simulate an accident.
The reported motive combined an extramarital affair with financial gain. Panwar held a life insurance policy worth 20 lakh rupees. Damini and Tushar allegedly offered the snake catchers five lakh rupees and had already paid 15,000 rupees in advance.
Authorities stated this was not the first attempt. Tushar is accused of deliberately striking Panwar’s motorcycle with a vehicle twenty days earlier. Panwar survived because he wore a helmet. Damini reportedly urged him not to report the incident to police, claiming the vehicle could not be traced.
