Anita Chaudhary, Jhansi’s first woman auto driver, was murdered early Monday; police arrested two suspects and are searching for a third
Jhansi’s First Woman Auto-Rickshaw Driver Murdered
In Bundelkhand, a region known for its past issues with dacoits and strict social norms, a 45-year-old woman, Anita Chaudhary, broke barriers by becoming the first female auto-rickshaw driver in Jhansi. She began driving after purchasing an auto-rickshaw in 2021.
Anita was a mother and the main provider for her family. She became a symbol of resilience in a city that honors the bravery of Rani Lakshmibai. However, her struggle for a better future ended violently when she was murdered early Monday morning.
Details of the Incident
According to police, Anita’s body was found on Station-Civil Lines Road in Jhansi around 2:30 am, near a school. Locals alerted the police, who discovered her auto-rickshaw overturned nearby. Her jewelry and mobile phone were reportedly missing. The family believes she was murdered, as her head had deep injuries, while no other injuries were visible.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Anita Chaudhary |
| Age | 45 |
| Location of Incident | Station-Civil Lines Road, Jhansi |
| Time of Discovery | 2:30 am |
| Injuries | Gunshot wound to the neck |
| Suspects | Mukesh Jha, Manoj Jha, Shivam Jha |
| Reward for Arrest | ₹25,000 |
Jhansi’s senior superintendent of police, BBTGS Murthy, confirmed the murder and stated that a post-mortem revealed a gunshot injury to the neck. The police have taken two individuals into custody and registered a murder case based on a complaint from Anita’s husband.
An FIR has been filed against Mukesh Jha and his associates, Manoj Jha and Shivam Jha. While Manoj and Shivam have been arrested, Mukesh is currently absconding. The police announced a reward of ₹25,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Family’s Response
Anita’s husband, Dwarika Chaudhary, who operates a small handcart near the bus stand, claimed she was killed after being robbed. He noted that her mangalsutra, earrings, anklet, and mobile phone were missing. He argued that if it were an accident, there would be injuries elsewhere on her body.
Police officials, including circle officer City Laxmikant Gautam and superintendent of police City Preeti Singh, arrived at the scene with forensic teams. They cordoned off the area and collected evidence. The body was sent for a post-mortem examination.
Anita’s sister, Vinita Chaudhary, stated that the family wants CCTV footage from nearby roads and establishments to be reviewed. She emphasized that Anita’s auto was her life and expressed doubts about the circumstances of the accident.
Anita’s Journey
Anita’s path to becoming Jhansi’s first woman auto driver was challenging. She worked for nearly 15 years with a private company before quitting in 2020. After an argument with her supervisor, she refused to return when the management offered her a job back. With her husband’s income insufficient, she sought work in Maharashtra but returned due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
Facing financial difficulties, Anita struggled to secure a loan to buy an auto. Despite resistance from relatives who objected to a woman driving, she managed to purchase an auto on finance on February 18, 2021. She learned to drive from a neighbor and quickly became a familiar face on the roads of Jhansi.
Her determination led to recognition, and she was later honored by senior police officials for her achievements. Vinita noted that Anita never complained and only wanted her children to have a better life.
