MoD official,wife found charred at home

Investigating officers said Yashkar’s partially charred body was found in the living room while Archana’s body,which was completely charred,was found in the bedroom. The couple got married seven years ago and had no children. Police said that since the house was locked from inside,the role of an outsider could be partially ruled out.

P S Kushwah,Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (South),said,“A neighbour informed police about a suspected fire inside the flat. We have registered a case of murder.” Forensic and crime teams reached the spot in the evening and took away samples including burnt bedsheets and clothes.

Police said it appeared that the incident had taken place during the early hours of Friday. The couple,who had shifted to the HUDCO Place flat only a few months ago,subscribed to three newspapers which were found lying outside the house. “Neighbours told us that the couple would pick up the newspapers early every morning. On Friday,we found the newspapers lying outside. In the living room,there were some burnt papers but no smell of kerosene or petrol. While Archana’s body was lying on the ground,Yashkar’s body was found in a posture which suggested that he was praying,” said a police officer.

Police said Archana held dance classes at the Sadik Nagar community hall.

She had also given a Bharatnatyam performance at the Surajkund Festival

in 2011.

Yashkar was due for promotion in a few weeks,police said.

Pushkar Sinha,Yashkar’s elder brother,who is a senior journalist with a television channel,said,“My brother and his wife were very close. There was no tension between them. Since he was in the MoD and was handling a sensitive department,it is possible that there is some foul play.”

V N Mishra,a friend of Yashkar’s,said Yashkar had planned to go to his in-laws’ house on Sunday. “There was no tension between the couple. Recently,when Archana’s mother had fallen ill,Yashkar had stayed at his in-laws’ house for about 15 days. He was to meet me in a few days for some work,” said Mishra.