The death of Puja Yadav (28) in Chinhat area of Lucknow, initially believed to be a road accident, was revealed to be a meticulously planned murder aimed at claiming insurance money. The truth behind her demise surfaced when an insurance company's investigation raised suspicions, prompting the police to revisit the case.

Puja died on May 20, 2023, after being hit by a vehicle in Chinhat. Her father-in-law, Ram Milan, had quickly reported the incident as an accidental death, which was officially accepted by the police. However, further scrutiny was triggered by the insurance company's inquiries into the unusual circumstances surrounding Puja's passing.

DCP East Shashank Singh, who led the investigation, uncovered that Puja's death was not accidental but a calculated murder orchestrated by her in-laws and their associates. The murder plot revolved around a Rs 50 lakh life insurance policy taken out in Puja's name, with the intent of cashing it in upon her demise. The scheme also involved taking loans and acquiring multiple vehicles under Puja's name.

The mastermind behind the plan was Kuldeep Singh from Barabanki, who persuaded Ram Milan to arrange his son Abhishek's marriage to Puja, ultimately intending to profit from her death. The driver, Deepak Verma, ran over Puja, while lawyer Alok Nigam provided legal guidance to ensure the flawless execution of the scheme. Together, they lured Puja to Matiyari on May 19, where she was fatally struck by a four-wheeler in a secluded area. The following day, they reported her death to the police as a road accident and even pretended to be witnesses to support their fabricated story.

Upon the insurance company's queries, the police reopened the case and uncovered the true motive behind Puja's murder, linked to the insurance policy, loans, and vehicles involved in the elaborate scheme.The financial aspect was part of a scheme to benefit from Puja's demise. Kuldeep Singh, Deepak Verma, and Alok Nigam have been apprehended, while authorities are still seeking Puja's spouse, Abhishek, and her father-in-law, Ram Milan.