NAGPUR, India — A prominent local doctor and his brother have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of the doctor’s wife, a case that police say was initially staged to look like a robbery. The incident, which police believe was precipitated by accusations of infidelity, occurred last week but was only discovered on Saturday when the husband returned from a trip and purportedly found his wife deceased.
The victim, Dr. Archana Rahule, 52, was a senior assistant professor in the physiotherapy department at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Nagpur. Her husband, Dr. Anil Rahule, 52, and his brother, Raju Rahule, 48, a farmer, are the primary suspects in the gruesome case that has shaken the local community.
Dr. Anil Rahule, who worked in Raipur and was frequently away from home, allegedly orchestrated the murder with his brother on April 9, the same day his mobile phone was detected in Nagpur despite his claim of being in Raipur. Initial investigations by the Hudkeshwar police revealed inconsistencies in Dr. Anil Rahule’s account of events, particularly concerning his whereabouts during the critical period when the crime was committed.
Upon examining the crime scene, authorities noted that the house appeared ransacked, a detail Dr. Rahule pointed to as indicative of a robbery. However, further probing uncovered a more sinister scenario. Police claim that during a heated argument, Dr. Anil Rahule and his brother fatally attacked Dr. Archana Rahule. It is alleged that while one brother restrained her, the other delivered a fatal blow to her head with an iron rod.
Anil Rahule’s attempt to cover up the murder included fleeing the scene and only returning days later to report the crime, authorities stated. The delay in communication with his wife, combined with cryptic messages exchanged between the Rahule brothers in the months leading up to the murder, suggested premeditation, according to police officials.
Neighbors, who were among the first responders following Dr. Anil Rahule’s alarm, reported that his distress seemed genuine at the time. However, this portrayal has come under scrutiny as the investigation has deepened.
Ravinder Singhal, the commissioner of police in Nagpur, mentioned, “The motive appears rooted in deep-seated jealousy and mistrust, but we are also exploring other potential angles to fully understand the dynamics within the relationship.”
Further complicating the investigation is the disclosure that Dr. Archana Rahule had confided in her sister, Dr. Nima Sonare, about ongoing marital difficulties and previous threats from her husband. This revelation adds a layer of premeditation to the crime, suggesting the issues within the marriage were longstanding.
Both Anil and Raju Rahule are being held for further questioning as police continue to piece together the events leading to Dr. Archana Rahule’s death. The case, which initially seemed to be a tragic robbery, has rapidly evolved into a complex investigation of domestic strife and alleged murder.