Kishtwar, July 4 – In a chilling reminder of how personal relationships can spiral into deadly consequences, a man’s alleged illicit affair ended in his brutal murder—planned and executed by the woman he was involved with, in collusion with her husband.
The case, which initially baffled locals and law enforcement alike, unfolded quickly following the discovery of a body in a vehicle on the area of Drab Sarthal in Kishtwar. Due to swift police action, the murder mystery was unraveled in less than 24 hours.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police Kishtwar, Naresh Singh (JKPS), the body of Pawan Kumar, son of Tara Chand, a resident of Lower Bidda in Nagseni Tehsil, was found inside an Eeco vehicle (JK17A/7539) abandoned by the roadside on July 2, 2025.
Police immediately launched inquest proceedings under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Dy.SP Dr. Ishan Gupta (JKPS) and SHO Insp. Firdous Ahmed began probing the case, combining technical surveillance with traditional investigative methods.
Soon, the investigation led them to a disturbing motive: an alleged extramarital relationship between the deceased and Ujla Devi, a married woman from Changam Sarthal.
Crime of Passion—or Cold Calculation?
As per police findings, Ujla Devi allegedly lured Pawan Kumar to her residence on July 1 under the pretext of meeting him. But instead of a secret rendezvous, Pawan Kumar walked into a deadly trap. Once inside, both Ujla Devi and her husband, Sandeep Kumar (son of Suram Chand), attacked him. The assault was so brutal that it led to Pawan’s death on the spot.
In an apparent attempt to mislead investigators and make the death appear accidental or unrelated to them, the couple placed his body in his own vehicle and left it abandoned on the roadside.
Police, however, pieced together the truth quickly through digital evidence, call records, and local intelligence. The murder was no random act but a calculated response to a relationship that had turned dangerous for all involved.
Following the revelations, the inquest proceedings were upgraded into FIR No. 156/2025 under Sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the BNS at Police Station Kishtwar. Both accused have been arrested and remain in custody as the investigation continues.
“No one involved in criminal activities will be spared. The law will take its course, and justice will be delivered,” SSP Naresh Singh said in his official statement.
