A Deadly ‘Joke’: How a Cruel Deception Allegedly Triggered a Friend’s Murder in Varanasi
Varanasi: What began as a bitter grievance over an alleged psychological trick ended in a brutal killing in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district, where police have arrested a 24-year-old man for murdering his longtime friend.
The accused, Virendra Yadav, allegedly strangled 28-year-old Aftab Alam and dumped his body in a field in the Sindhaura area.
Investigators claim the motive stemmed from Virendra’s belief that Aftab had once deceived him into eating suspected cow meat — an incident that reportedly led to humiliation and mockery among their acquaintances.
According to police, Virendra had been nursing resentment since September last year. During interrogation, he allegedly told officers that Aftab later revealed the incident to others, making him the subject of ridicule.
Feeling psychologically tormented and disgraced, Virendra is said to have plotted revenge.
However, the victim’s family has strongly rejected this version.
Aftab’s father, Kalamuddin, alleged that the accusations were fabricated to divert attention from the real motive — money and personal gain.
He claimed that important documents belonging to his son were missing and that around ₹40,000 had been transferred from Aftab’s bank account to Virendra’s.
“My son lived with people from different communities and never had any such dispute. This story is false. He was killed over money and other matters,” Kalamuddin said.
Police revealed that Aftab and Virendra had worked together as helpers in a Bengaluru-based firm.
Recently, Aftab was transferred to Chennai, while Virendra was posted in Gujarat. On January 7, Aftab left Bihar after informing Virendra that he was heading back to resume duty.
Investigators say Virendra lured Aftab to Varanasi instead.
After meeting at the railway station, Virendra later returned with another associate on a motorcycle and took Aftab to a secluded area on the pretext of going home.
There, Aftab was allegedly attacked and strangled before his body was dumped in a field.
The following day, police recovered an unidentified body, which was later confirmed as Aftab’s after an identity card was found nearby.
Call records and banking transactions eventually led officers to Virendra.
Police have recovered Aftab’s PAN card, Aadhaar card, and other belongings from the accused and are currently searching for the second suspect involved in the crime.
The case has once again highlighted how cruel psychological pranks, humiliation, and unresolved resentment can spiral into horrifying consequences.
#VaranasiCrime #FriendshipTurnedDeadly #PsychologicalTrauma #MurderCase #UPPolice #CrimeNews #TragicConsequences #Betrayal #JusticeForAftab
