Man Arrested for Allegedly Killing Wife Over Extramarital Affair in Cuttack

Bhubaneswar: Cuttack district police have arrested a man for allegedly murdering his 28-year-old wife following a dispute linked to an extramarital relationship and attempting to conceal the crime by burying her body near a riverbank.

The accused, identified as Malay Kumar Samal of Bhatimunda village under Tangi police station limits, was taken into custody after police launched an investigation into the disappearance of his wife, Banita Sethi.

According to police, Malay, a mason by profession, met Banita while working in the Balikuda area of Jagatsinghpur district a few years ago. Their acquaintance gradually turned into a romantic relationship, and the two later married at a local temple in Balikuda. The couple reportedly lived together in Jagatsinghpur for nearly two years.

About one-and-a-half years ago, Malay brought Banita to Cuttack, allegedly on the pretext of taking her to his parental home. However, instead of introducing her to his family, he arranged for the couple to stay in a rented house under the jurisdiction of Tangi police station. During this period, Banita worked at a private agency and contributed to the family’s income.

Police said tensions began to rise in the household after a distant female friend of Banita came to stay with the couple. Investigators alleged that Malay developed an extramarital relationship with the woman, leading to frequent arguments between him and Banita.

The recurring disputes are believed to have culminated in the crime. Police alleged that Malay strangled Banita to death on Wednesday and later stuffed her body into a gunny bag before burying it near the banks of the Mendhakhai River in an attempt to destroy evidence.

The case came to light after Banita’s family members lodged a complaint on Saturday. Police detained Malay for questioning, during which he allegedly confessed to the murder.

Acting on information provided by the accused, police exhumed Banita’s body from the riverbank on Sunday and sent it for post-mortem examination.

Investigators suspect the involvement of Banita’s female friend in the crime and have launched a manhunt to trace and apprehend her. Further investigation is underway.