Nagpur: What was once considered a symbol of companionship and commitment—love and marriage—is increasingly turning into a trigger for violence. The recent murder of Raja Raghuvanshi in Meghalaya, allegedly by his wife, has once again thrown a spotlight on the dark side of modern relationships. Closer home, Nagpur is witnessing a worrying rise in murders tied to extramarital affairs and emotional disputes.
While police officials maintain that murders are not officially categorized based on relationship motives, recent cases in Nagpur suggest a growing pattern of emotionally driven crimes, often involving jealousy, betrayal, and unaddressed anger.
Ragpicker Murdered Over Wife’s Affair:
On June 8, Tehsil Police apprehended Anurag alias Ghoda Sunil Borkar (33) within four hours of brutally killing another ragpicker near Agrasen Square. Investigations revealed that Borkar was enraged after learning that his wife had been living with the victim for the past three years. In a fit of rage, he attacked the victim with a stone, smashing his head and chest.
Man Kills Wife Amid Extramarital Affair:
In May, Sheetal Johnson Mandpe (40) was found dead at her home in Ekta Nagar under MIDC Police jurisdiction. Initially treated as an accidental death, the case turned into a murder investigation after post-mortem reports indicated assault and suffocation. Her husband, Johnson Pralhad Mandpe, was later arrested. Police suspect the motive was rooted in domestic abuse and his ongoing extramarital relationship.
Girlfriend Bludgeoned to Death at Workplace:
On May 6, Akshay Date killed his girlfriend, Hemlata Vaidya—a widow and mother—at her workplace in Gittikhadan. The accused, frustrated by her family’s refusal to accept their relationship, attacked her with a metal rod. Jealousy and suspicion triggered the fatal assault after he saw her speaking with another man.
Man Stabbed in Broad Daylight by Wife’s Lover:
In April, a man named Shera (32) was stabbed to death on Nandgiri Road in broad daylight by his wife’s paramour, Rajat alias Gitesh Uke, and his aide. The duo attacked Shera after he discovered the ongoing affair and allegedly assaulted his wife. The murder was a premeditated act of revenge.
GMCH Professor Murdered by Husband:
In one of the most chilling cases, Dr. Archana Rahule, a physiotherapy assistant professor at GMCH, was murdered at her residence in Hudkeshwar. Her husband, Dr. Anil Rahule, allegedly planned the crime for two months with the help of his brother and an accomplice. Investigators suspect the motive stemmed from suspicions about her character and her behaviour toward his ailing mother.
Experts Warn: Emotional Instability on the Rise
Noted psychiatrist Dr. Sudhir Bhave attributes this surge in relationship-linked violence to declining emotional tolerance and rising entitlement among the youth.
“Young individuals today are quick to frustration and slow to compromise. They can’t handle rejection—whether emotional or material,” Dr. Bhave said. He pointed to the role of social media in glorifying illicit relationships and distorting perceptions of reality. “When expectations aren’t met, the resulting frustration can erupt into violence.”
Police Caution: No One Escapes the Law
Joint Commissioner of Police Naveenchandra Reddy noted that Indian cultural values and societal pressure make handling extramarital affairs particularly complex.
“In India, divorce or separation isn’t always easy, and fear of exposure often drives people to dangerous decisions. Social media has unfortunately become a source of inspiration for many crimes,” he said. “No matter how carefully someone plans a crime, the law eventually catches up.”
