Kota man kills woman over money dispute, arrested within 24 hours

KOTA: City police Monday arrested a 37-year-old man for allegedly killing a 55-year-old woman at her home in the RK Puram police station area. The case, the police said, was cracked within 24 hours.

The victim, Brijesh Sharma, was found dead on the upper floor of her double-storey house in Ganesh Nagar Sunday morning. Injury marks were visible on the body, and household items were scattered, indicating a struggle.

Police arrested the accused, Pukhraj Pareta, a resident of Indira Gandhi Nagar under Udhyog Nagar police limits, on the basis of technical inputs and investigation. He knew the victim and had financial dealings with her, Kota City SP Tejaswani Gautam said.

During initial interrogation, the accused confessed that the murder stemmed from a financial dispute. Police said the victim was involved in money lending at interest, which led to multiple financial transactions. Pareta, who frequently visited her house, allegedly developed disputes with her over money.

Investigators said the accused knew cash and jewellery were kept in the house and is suspected to have planned the crime. After allegedly killing the woman, he fled with cash, gold and silver jewellery, and documents to make the incident look like a robbery.

Police said the accused was familiar with the victim's routine. On the day of the incident, he entered the house, assaulted her, and strangled her before escaping with valuables. Efforts are under way to recover the stolen items and gather further evidence.