Varanasi: In a shocking incident that has left the residents of Varanasi’s Bhadaini locality in disbelief, a 45-year-old woman and her three children were found shot dead in their home. Hours after the grim discovery, police found the body of the woman’s husband, Rajendra Gupta, at a nearby construction site with a gunshot wound, leading them to suspect suicide. Police investigations are underway to piece together the events and unravel the motive behind this horrifying incident.
A Grim Discovery in Varanasi’s Bhadaini Locality
The morning started ominously in Varanasi’s Bhadaini area when neighbors noticed that the Gupta family’s home, where 20 other families reside as tenants, remained unusually quiet. When the maid entered the residence, she was met with a horrific scene—the bodies of Nitu Gupta, 45, and her children Navanendra (25), Gaurangi (16), and Shubhendra (15) lay lifeless. All four had been shot, and there were no signs of struggle, leading police to believe that they were likely attacked in their sleep.
Initially, Rajendra Gupta, Nitu’s husband, was missing from the scene, sparking suspicions about his involvement. However, hours later, Rajendra’s body was discovered at a nearby construction site, bearing a gunshot wound. Police suspect that he may have ended his own life following the tragic murders of his family.
A Troubled Past and Dark Secrets
Rajendra Gupta, a well-known local figure, has a history marred by violence and crime. According to senior police officer Gaurav Banswal, Rajendra had been accused in multiple murder cases in the past. Among the accusations was the alleged murder of his father, brother, and sister-in-law, underscoring a history of violent behavior and deep-rooted family disputes. Gupta was recently out on bail, adding another layer of complexity to the tragic events.
Neighbors and locals revealed that Rajendra Gupta’s life was anything but ordinary. He had amassed significant wealth through a liquor business and reportedly owned multiple properties in the area, generating a steady income through rentals. This wealth, coupled with frequent family conflicts, may have contributed to an atmosphere of discord and tension within the household.
The Role of Family Disputes and Wealth in the Incident
As police delve deeper into the investigation, one possible motive under scrutiny is the role of property and wealth in the tragedy. Rajendra Gupta’s business ventures and ownership of around 8-10 rental properties brought him substantial earnings every month, making him financially comfortable. However, police suspect that a dispute over property and wealth could have escalated tensions within the family, leading to the tragic outcome.
Witnesses recounted that Rajendra and Nitu often quarreled, adding to a strained family dynamic. Nitu was reportedly Rajendra’s second wife, and the couple’s relationship was described as tumultuous. The frequent disputes were known to neighbors, who suspected that underlying issues may have reached a boiling point.
Police are investigating whether property disputes contributed to the motive for the murders. The involvement of wealth and ownership disputes is a common motive in domestic violence cases, and authorities are exploring all angles, including potential family and property disputes that could have led to the crime.
A Possible Influence of Black Magic?
In a surprising twist, reports have emerged suggesting that Rajendra may have consulted a local tantrik, or spiritual practitioner, who allegedly influenced him to commit the crime. Although police have yet to confirm these allegations, the possible influence of superstition or occult practices is not being ruled out. In many cases, people under financial or emotional distress sometimes turn to spiritual advisors, which can influence their actions in unpredictable ways. Police have stated that they are keeping an open mind as they investigate and will consider all possible explanations.
Investigation Continues: Examining Evidence and Eyewitness Accounts
Police are meticulously gathering evidence from the crime scene. Bullet casings have been found, and early investigations suggest that a pistol was used in the killings. The condition of the bodies and the presence of casings point to a well-planned and deliberate attack, with no immediate signs of struggle, which supports the theory that the family was ambushed while they were asleep.
Additionally, police are interviewing neighbors and potential witnesses to gather more information. An elderly neighbor claimed that ongoing family disputes were a likely cause of the murders. Friends and relatives of the family are also being questioned, as authorities look to gather a clearer picture of Rajendra Gupta’s mindset leading up to the incident.
The Impact on the Community
The tragedy has left the residents of Bhadaini in shock, with locals recounting that the family appeared to be financially stable and was not known to have any visible issues that could lead to such violence. The chilling discovery of the family’s bodies and the subsequent revelation of Rajendra’s alleged involvement have shaken the community, and the grim details are expected to linger in the memories of the residents.
For now, the Gupta family’s residence remains a site of tragedy, and the community has come together in mourning, with neighbors expressing grief for the lives lost and shock over the tragic turn of events.
The Broader Issue of Domestic Violence and Family Feuds
This case of Varanasi highlights the often-hidden struggles and disputes that can occur within families, particularly those involving wealth and power. Family feuds, particularly over inheritance and property, can sometimes escalate to deadly levels. According to experts, disputes over property and assets have been leading causes of violence in domestic settings, and unresolved family issues often contribute to mental health challenges and instability.
In India, domestic violence and family-related murders are unfortunately not uncommon, and incidents such as this shed light on the importance of addressing these issues at an early stage. Authorities and social workers emphasize the need for mental health support, conflict resolution, and legal assistance for individuals experiencing family feuds or violent tendencies.
Concluding Thoughts
The tragic murders of Nitu Gupta and her children, allegedly at the hands of her own husband, Rajendra Gupta, stand as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of unresolved family conflict and a history of violence. As the investigation continues, the police are committed to uncovering every possible angle and motive behind this shocking incident, from property disputes to the possible influence of superstitions.
The incident has sparked discussions on the importance of addressing domestic violence, managing family disputes peacefully, and the need for community awareness around mental health. For now, the tragedy has left an indelible mark on Varanasi’s Bhadaini locality, as residents and authorities alike grapple with the devastating impact of these tragic events.