A shocking case of online romance gone wrong has come to light in Uttar Pradesh, where a 52-year-old woman was allegedly murdered by her 26-year-old Instagram lover over disputes concerning marriage and money. The Mainpuri Police recently solved the month-old case, revealing a disturbing story of deception, social media manipulation, and financial exploitation.

How the Relationship Began

According to police reports, the victim, identified as Rani, a resident of Farrukhabad and mother of four, met her alleged killer, Arun Rajput, approximately one and a half years ago through Instagram. The social media connection quickly escalated into a personal relationship.

Rani reportedly used Instagram filters to conceal her age, creating the impression that she was much younger than her actual 52 years. Arun, unaware of her true age, was drawn into the online relationship. Over time, the friendship deepened, and the two began exchanging messages, phone calls, and eventually meeting in person at hotels in Farrukhabad.

During the course of their relationship, Rani allegedly transferred about Rs 1.5 lakh to Arun. These financial transactions later became a key point of contention between them.

Escalation of Disputes

As the relationship progressed, Rani began pressuring Arun to marry her. She also demanded the repayment of the money she had lent him. Police sources stated that Rani threatened to approach law enforcement if Arun refused to comply with her demands, creating tension in their relationship.

On August 10, 2025, Arun allegedly called Rani to meet him near Kharpri Bamba in Mainpuri. During this meeting, Rani once again pressed him about marriage and the repayment of the Rs 1.5 lakh loan. This confrontation reportedly enraged Arun, leading him to strangle Rani with her dupatta and flee the scene.

Discovery of the Crime

Rani’s body was discovered near Karpari village in Mainpuri on August 11, 2025. Initially, the victim was unidentified, prompting the police to circulate her photographs across nearby districts to locate her family. A post-mortem examination confirmed death due to strangulation, indicating foul play.

Police later matched the details with a missing complaint filed in Farrukhabad, confirming her identity as Rani.

Investigation and Arrest

The investigation remained unresolved for nearly a month until authorities traced call records and social media interactions from Rani’s mobile phones. These digital footprints led police directly to Arun Rajput, a 26-year-old resident of Mainpuri.

During interrogation, Arun reportedly confessed to strangling Rani. He admitted that he had been pressured over time to marry her and return the money, which created mounting frustration. Arun also revealed that he had taken Rani’s phones after discarding the SIM cards to destroy evidence. Two of Rani’s mobile phones were eventually recovered by police, containing photos and chat messages exchanged between the two.

Mainpuri Superintendent of Police, Arun Kumar Singh, confirmed the details of the case and stated that Arun had been sent to jail following the confession, with further legal proceedings underway.

Role of Social Media in the Crime

The case highlights the potential dangers of online relationships, particularly those facilitated through social media platforms like Instagram. Police confirmed that Rani’s use of age-concealing filters played a significant role in the events leading up to her death. Arun reportedly felt deceived upon discovering her actual age and marital status, which contributed to his refusal to marry her despite their ongoing relationship.

SP Arun Kumar Singh emphasized, “The accused said that the woman used a filter on Instagram that made her appear younger. When he met her for the first time, he realized her actual age. The woman was also married and had children. These factors contributed to his decision not to marry her.”

Social and Legal Implications

This tragic case serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of online interactions and financial entanglements in virtual relationships. Experts warn that social media can be a double-edged sword: while it connects people across distances, it can also facilitate deception, fraud, and, in extreme cases, violence.

Law enforcement agencies in Uttar Pradesh have urged the public to exercise caution when engaging with strangers online and to report any suspicious or coercive behavior immediately.

Timeline of Events

• 1.5 years ago: Rani and Arun met on Instagram.

• Several months later: They exchange phone numbers, begin personal meetings, and engage in financial transactions.

• Two months before August 10, 2025: Rani begins pressing Arun for marriage and repayment of Rs 1.5 lakh.

• August 10, 2025: Rani meets Arun near Kharpri Bamba, Mainpuri, and is allegedly strangled with her dupatta.

• August 11, 2025: Rani’s body is discovered near Karpari village; post-mortem confirms strangulation.

• Late August 2025: Police trace calls and social media records leading to Arun’s arrest.

• September 2025: Arun confesses; two phones recovered; sent to jail.

Broader implications

The Mainpuri case is a chilling reminder of how virtual relationships can escalate into real-world violence when trust, deception, and financial disputes collide. It also underscores the need for awareness about online safety, the potential for fraud, and the emotional consequences of social media interactions.

Authorities continue to monitor similar cases to prevent such incidents in the future, emphasizing vigilance, transparency, and caution in digital communications.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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