Jhansi auto driver murder suspect still missing car found on bridge

Investigation Continues in Murder of Jhansi’s First Woman Auto Driver

Three days after the murder of Anita Choudhary, 45, the first woman auto driver in Jhansi, the prime suspect, Mukesh Jha, is still untraceable. Police are investigating whether he jumped into the Betwa river or staged his disappearance to avoid arrest.

Details of the Investigation

Investigators found Jha’s car abandoned on the Betwa river bridge. The fog lights were still on, and the driver’s door was ajar. A country-made pistol, believed to be used in the shooting, and a SIM card were recovered from the vehicle.

Police have issued alerts across Madhya Pradesh and nearby districts due to concerns that the suspect may have crossed state borders.

Police Efforts to Locate Suspect

“Four teams are working continuously to trace him,” said Jhansi SSP BBTGS Murthy. “One team from Bharua Sagar police station is searching the river to rule out the possibility that he jumped in, while other teams are tracking him at multiple locations, even outside Jhansi,” he added.

Background of the Relationship

Jha, who ran a hotel business, had a live-in relationship with Anita for nearly four years. Recently, she ended the relationship, which police believe is central to the case. Jha is married and has a son. Anita was also married, had three children, and was living independently after separating from her husband, Dwarika Choudhary.

The relationship had become volatile six months ago. They reportedly argued in public after Jha suspected Anita was speaking to another man. Anita later filed an FIR against him, which was investigated by the then Navabad circle officer. Afterward, Jha allegedly consumed poison and was admitted to Rani Laxmibai Memorial Medical College. Anita visited him, but the meeting escalated into a confrontation with Jha’s wife. Following this, Anita ended the relationship.

“Even after she walked out, Jha kept trying to win her back,” said an officer involved in the investigation.

Details of the Incident

On the night of the incident, Anita was driving her auto to drop travel agent Arun Kumar at his house. Kumar reported that a Maruti Ignis began chasing them. Sensing danger, Anita sped up, but the car overtook them and blocked the road.

Kumar stated he saw Mukesh jump out and fire at her from close range. “The sound was so loud that I panicked and fled,” Kumar said.

Later, Kumar told police that fear had left him disoriented, which delayed his approach to the authorities.

Current Status of the Investigation

Anita’s family has named three individuals in the FIR. Police have taken two into custody, including Jha’s son. Officials are considering two possibilities: that Jha may have jumped into the river or that the abandoned car was meant to create the impression of suicide while he escaped elsewhere.

“Crucial hours were lost because the initial information suggested a road accident and the eyewitness ran away,” an official said.

Summary of Key Facts