UP headmaster, wife killed: Blood-stained axe found, bodies 100m apart

Mukesh had sustained an injury caused by a sharp-edged weapon to his neck, while his wife had a similar injury to her head.

An axe bearing blood stains was recovered from the crime scene, though police are yet to establish whether it was the murder weapon.

Probe so far 

Superintendent of Police Vineet Jaiswal said it was not immediately clear whether the killings took place on Monday night or Tuesday morning.

Police said robbery did not appear to be the motive behind the killings.

During investigation, police found that the almirah in the victims’ room had been opened. However, jewellery and other valuables were found intact. A licensed rifle was also found on the premises.

The couple had lived in the house, located on the outskirts, for three decades. Mukesh was the youngest of three brothers.

Police said their initial probe revealed that he was involved in a land dispute with some distant relatives who lived in the same village. The two sides had reportedly clashed over a minor issue some time ago, following which complaints were lodged by both parties.

Mukesh’s two brothers, who live in Lucknow and Ghazipur, told police that they were not aware of any specific reason or motive that could have led to the killings.

Mukesh was actively involved in local teachers’ union politics and was contesting a teachers’ association election. Vineeta had previously contested a panchayat member election but lost.

The couple is survived by their 20-year-old son, Abhyuday, who is studying at a university in Delhi.

Police have registered a case against unidentified persons and are looking into call details records of the couple.

(With PTI inputs)