Latest news with #Barkha
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Man's crime-show binge & digital trail land him in jail for wife's murder
Raipur: He googled, 'How to fool police'… and led the police straight to him. A man's search history has helped Chhattisgarh police crack a murder that was allegedly made to look like an accident. The suspect, Shishpal Vasnik, a govt engineer, had planned the cold-blooded murder after watching over 150 episodes of crime shows on YouTube and repeatedly googling 'how to murder and erase evidence', say investigators. Vasnik hired a contract killer, say police. The price of his wife's life? Rs 60,000. The victim, Barkha Vasnik, was a teacher at a private school in Balod town, around 90km from Raipur. On March 22, she was returning home from school, at her usual time, when a Bolero rammed her as soon as she took a curve on Manpur Road in Dallirajhara region. She and a friend Mathura Mandavi, who was riding pillion, were thrown on the road and fell unconscious. Barkha was declared dead in hospital. Mathura was seriously injured and spent several days in ICU. At first glance, it seemed like a tragic hit-and-run. But suspicions raised by Barkha's family, especially her sister Priyanka Dahar, led police to reinvestigate the case — this time treating it as potential murder. The truth that emerged was more disturbing than anyone had imagined. Trail Of Evidence, Virtually, Leads To Govt Staffer Balod SP Yogesh Patel led the investigation. He and CSP Chitra Verma began combing through digital evidence and uncovered unsettling digital footprints. Shishpal, an assistant engineer in the electricity department, had been extensively watching crime content on YouTube and searching "how to commit murder," "ways to destroy evidence," and "fool police investigations." "His phone and Google search history were damning, but it was his attempt to manipulate his location data that truly exposed his involvement. On the day of the murder, Shishpal handed his phone to a colleague and a driver with instructions to make random calls from different locations, hoping this would trick investigators into thinking he was in Bhilai (70km from Balod)," the SP said at a press briefing in Balod. In fact, he was sitting in the Bolero with contract killer Kayamuddin, said police. Rs 60k For Wife's Life Investigations revealed that Shishpal had hired 24-year-old Kayamuddin from Supela in Bhilai, and paid him Rs 60,000 to kill his wife. The two spent several days surveilling Barkha's route from school to home and discovered that she often took a quiet, isolated stretch. On the day of the crime, the duo used a white Bolero SUV with no licence plates. As Barkha's scooter approached a bend near Bajrangbali Temple, they rammed it. After she and her friend fell, unconscious, Shishpal stepped out of the vehicle and struck Barkha repeatedly on the head and back with an iron rod, say police. The duo drove off. Dowry Demands, Domestic Abuse & History Of Violence The motive, according to police, stemmed from a long history of domestic discord. Barkha and Shishpal were married in April 2016. Within a day of their wedding, Shishpal allegedly began pressuring her for Rs 4 lakh in dowry. The relationship deteriorated over the years, leading to a divorce case that was pending at the time of her murder. Family members allege that Barkha endured repeated physical abuse during the marriage. Records and complaints shared by her sister with local media support these claims. Barkha is survived by two little children — a son in Class 1 and a daughter in Class 2 — who now live with their maternal grandmother in Durg. Her brother Shubham Kutare told reporters, "These children never received their father's love, and now they've lost their mother too." Police have recovered the iron rod allegedly used in the murder, the Bolero used in the attack, two mobile phones, and a list of contacts used to fake call activity. Based on this evidence, Shishpal and Kayamuddin have been arrested and are in police custody. SP Yogesh Patel called the case "an exceptional example of forensic and field investigation," highlighting how digital traces and a family's perseverance cracked open a crime designed to be the perfect murder.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Chhattisgarh: Husband plots wife's murder after watching over 150 crime shows, paid Rs 60,000 contract to killer
RAIPUR: A govt employee was arrested in Balod district for murder of his wife- a school teacher- after meticulously planning the crime by watching 150 episodes of crime shows on internet how to kill and erase evidence. The murder initially appeared to be a road accident when the victim was returning home from school on Mar 22 and got hit down by a Bolero vehicle. But the digital footprints of the husband got police to a breakthrough. The man had hired people as contract killers. Police revealed the chilling incident in Balod district, after arrest of an assistant engineer in the electricity department. The incident dates back to March 22, when Barkha Vasnik, a lecturer at a private school, died following what appeared to be a scooter accident near a temple on Manpur Road in the Dallirajhara region. Her friend Mathura Mandavi, who was riding pillion, was seriously injured. At first glance, it seemed like a tragic hit-and-run. But suspicions raised by Barkha's family, especially her sister Priyanka Dahar, led police to reinvestigate the case — this time treating it as potential murder. The truth that emerged was more disturbing than anyone had imagined. Digital Trail Led to the Killer Balod SP Yogesh Patel and CSP Chitra Verma, began combing through digital evidence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo They uncovered a stunning digital footprint: Barkha's husband, Shishpal Vasnik, had been extensively watching crime content on YouTube and searching 'how to commit murder,' 'ways to destroy evidence,' and 'fool police investigations.' 'His phone and Google search history were damning, but it was his attempt to manipulate his location data that truly exposed his involvement. On the day of the murder, Shishpal handed his phone to a colleague and a driver with instructions to make random calls from different locations — hoping this would trick investigators into thinking he was in Bhilai, the officers said during a press brief in Balod. Contract Killing for Rs 60,000 Investigations revealed that Shishpal had hired a 24-year-old man named Kayamuddin from Supela, Bhilai, and paid him Rs 60,000 to carry out the murder. The two spent days surveiling Barkha's route from school to home and discovered that she often took a quiet, isolated stretch. On the day of the crime, the duo used a white Bolero SUV with no license plate. As Barkha's scooter approached a bend near the Bajrangbali Temple, they rammed into it. As she and her friend fell, Shishpal stepped out of the vehicle and struck Barkha multiple times on the head and back with an iron rod. They fled immediately. The motive, according to police, stemmed from a long history of domestic discord. Barkha and Shishpal were married in April 2016. Within a day of their wedding, Shishpal allegedly began pressuring her for Rs 4 lakh in dowry. The relationship deteriorated over the years, leading to a pending divorce case. Family members allege that Barkha endured repeated physical abuse during the marriage. Records and complaints shared by her sister with local media support these claims. Barkha leaves behind two young children — a son studying in Class 1 and a daughter in Class 2 — now living with their maternal grandmother in Durg. Her brother Shubham Kutare told reporters, 'These children never received their father's love, and now they've lost their mother too.' Police have recovered the murder weapon (an iron rod), the white Bolero used in the attack, two mobile phones, and a list of contacts used to fake call activity. Based on this evidence, both Shishpal Vasnik and Kayamuddin have been arrested and are in police custody. SP Yogesh Patel called the case 'an exceptional example of forensic and field investigation,' highlighting how digital traces and family persistence cracked open a crime designed to be the perfect murder. This harrowing case not only exposes the terrifying depths of domestic violence but also underscores how technology, when misused, can turn into a dangerous weapon — and how it can also help uncover the truth.
NDTV
05-05-2025
- NDTV
Vegetarian In Japan? Barkha Singh Just Dropped The Ultimate Food Map
Travelling through Japan is a dream, from beautiful cities and rich traditions to some of the most iconic food in the world. But if you are a vegetarian, eating your way through the country is not always as easy as it sounds. Even a simple bowl of soup can have hidden meat-based stock, and it is not always clear what is safe to order. That is why Barkha Singh's food picks come in clutch. She just shared her favourite vegetarian-friendly spots across Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo - and whether you are looking for a warm veg ramen or something sweet like chocolate gyoza, her list makes travelling meat-free in Japan feel way less stressful. Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants To Try In Osaka Shin Gi Dai: Picture this - a casual setup, cold draft beer and tofu skewers that hit the spot. Barkha's pick for laid-back evenings. Kiou Ramen: They serve a tomato-based vegetarian ramen. It looks veg, smells veg - but she still used Google Translate to double-check. Respect. Katsu In Dotonbori: The spot that saves vegetarians from okonomiyaki FOMO. They customise it without meat or fish. Barkha Singh's Top Picks For Vegetarian Food In Kyoto Chao Chao Gyoza: The wait is long (like, over an hour), but the payoff? A full vegetarian and vegan menu. Barkha's highlight was the chocolate gyoza with homemade ice cream. Also: friendly staff, chill vibes. Miyabi Ine Boathouse Cafe: A total aesthetic dream. Calm, beautiful and perfect for a slow meal. Saryo Tesshin: This one's all about comfort. Order the soba noodles and thank Barkha later. Where To Eat Vegetarian Food In Tokyo, According To Barkha Singh Ramen Engine: A go-to for vegetarian ramen bowls and miso rice. But it fills up fast, so Barkha recommends heading there by 6 PM. Coco Ichibanya: Your saviour for vegetarian Japanese curry with veggies. You get to pick your spice level. Barkha chose level 4, and it brought the heat. Gonpachi: Yes, that Gonpachi. The Kill Bill one. They have a vegan menu and do custom tweaks, too. Bonus points for the whole vibe. Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku: A maze of stalls and signs that say "vegetarian-friendly". Just note - some grills are shared, so ask questions. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Barkha Singh (@barkhasingh0308) Also, Barkha could not stop raving about Nishiki Market - calling it the best spot for viral Japanese snacks like mochi, fluffy cheesecake, and custard-filled pancakes. So, no, being vegetarian in Japan is not impossible. You just need the right list. And luckily, Barkha Singh has already made it.
