Udaipur, October 18, 2024 - Police have arrested as many as four people in connection with the murder of a widow Sharda Devi in Panarwa village, Udaipur. She was killed allegedly over a piece of land which had been left to her after the death of her husband around 10 years ago.

Police said that the victim’s 15 year old son, Sandeep had filed a police complaint on October 13, 2024, alleging the murder of his mother. According to his statement, Sandeep had gone to charge his mobile phone at a neighbour's home when his brother Roki, came rushing for him and told him their mother had been attacked. Roki had been sleeping nearby and said he saw someone fleeing the scene.On returning home, Sandeep found his mother lying in a pool of blood with a severe head injury.

The police were informed, and an investigation was initiated by Station House Officer (SHO) Ankit Kumar Samaria.

Initial probe revealed that four people, by the names of Mahesh, Amit, Babulal and Naanji, had hatched a plan to kill Sharda Devi to take possession of her property, say the police. The suspects had been in contact days before the murder, charting out a plan. Amit, who lived in the same village, was the mastermind behind the murder. He convinced the other three to help him kill the woman in exchange for Rs 50,000, the SHO said.

On the night of October 12, 2024, the accused consumed alcohol and proceeded to Sharda Devi’s home. Amit kept watch outside while the other three entered the house. While Naanji and Babulal pinned the woman down, Mahesh hit her on the head with a heavy stone, according to the police.

The police apprehended Mahesh, who, during interrogation, revealed the names of the other suspects. Search was launched for the other three and the police managed to nab them.

All four suspects have admitted to the crime, confessing that their motive was to gain control of Sharda's land. The police are carrying on a search for more suspects.