Chandan Verma, accused in Amethi family murder, shot by police in escape bid

The brutal murder of four family members, including 35-year-old government school teacher Sunil Kumar, his 32-year-old wife Poonam, and their two daughters, Drishti and Suni, on Thursday, captured the attention of authorities.

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Shantanu Poswal
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In a significant development, Uttar Pradesh Police apprehended Chandan Verma, the main accused in the brutal murder of four family members in Amethi. Hours after his arrest, on Saturday, October 5, police officials reported that Verma sustained a gunshot wound to his leg during an attempted escape.

According to Additional Superintendent of Police Harendra Kumar, the incident occurred when Verma was being transported to recover the weapon used in the killings. During the operation, Verma allegedly snatched the pistol of Sub-Inspector Madan Kumar and attempted to attack the police team. In response, the officials opened fire, hitting him in the leg. Verma is currently receiving treatment at Gauriganj District Hospital.

Verma's arrest and confession

The Special Task Force (STF) captured Verma near the Jewar Toll Plaza on Friday, just 48 hours after the horrific crime. Amethi Superintendent of Police Anup Kumar Singh stated that Verma admitted to the killings during interrogation. He also revealed the motive behind the crime: Verma had been involved in an illicit affair with one of the victims, Poonam, for over a year and a half. Tensions in the relationship had escalated, leading Verma to commit the gruesome murders.

The victims were identified as Sunil Kumar, 35, a government school teacher, his 32-year-old wife Poonam, and their two daughters, Drishti and Suni. The murders shocked the local community and drew sharp criticism of the state’s law and order situation.

Background and warning signs

Notably, Poonam had lodged a police complaint on August 18, accusing Verma of harassment under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. In her complaint, she warned that if anything happened to her or her family, Verma should be held responsible. Authorities are now investigating these prior warnings in light of the recent tragedy.