Murder inspired by web series “Asur” shakes Meerut city

A shocking incident has sent ripples of dismay throughout Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, where two individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a local businessman and his wife. The grim event, which unfolded on Thursday, is believed to have been influenced by the 'Asur' web series, released in 2020.

Dhan Kumar Jain, a revered 70-year-old resident of Brahmapuri, met his tragic demise while defending his home against a robbery. Tragically, his wife, Anju Jain (65), fought valiantly for her life in the hospital but eventually succumbed to her injuries. The assailants, driven by their criminal intent, fled the scene with stolen cash and valuable jewelry, leaving behind a trail of grief and shock.

The swift response from law enforcement saw the formation of eight specialized teams dedicated to solving the case. Meticulous efforts included analyzing CCTV footage, employing electronic surveillance, and gathering intelligence from informants. The diligent work of the police led to the arrest of the alleged culprits, identified as Priyank Sharma (25) and Yash Sharma (24).

In interrogation, Priyank Sharma, a final-year LLB student, disturbingly admitted that their criminal actions were inspired by the 'Asur' web series. He revealed that they had even turned to YouTube tutorials for guidance on evading law enforcement, underscoring the concerning influence of media content on impressionable minds.

The accused unveiled their elaborate plan, which encompassed concealing their identities with gloves, masks, and helmets. To further complicate identification, they tampered with the motorcycle's number plate. Their meticulous scheme included careful consideration of an escape route that steered clear of CCTV-monitored areas.

A day prior to the crime, the suspects cunningly visited the victims' home under the guise of searching for a rental room, effectively masking their sinister intentions. This ploy underscored the vulnerability of homeowners to potential threats.

The investigation bore fruit with substantial evidence. Police managed to recover a pistol, motorcycle, clothing, helmets, and shoes worn during the crime. Moreover, the stolen gold and silver jewelry, alongside the looted cash, were successfully retrieved from the suspects.