Horror as student, 20, has 'throat slit by jealous classmate'
Police believe the classmate became jealous over the female student's interactions with another man.
A 20-year-old university student was allegedly killed by a classmate who police believe became jealous over her interactions with another man. The woman was found with fatal throat injuries inside her family home in the Indian city of Lucknow on Wednesday after her older sister returned from college and made the horrifying discovery.
Police said the victim, identified as Smriti Pandey, died from deep wounds to her throat, believed to have been caused by a sharp-edged weapon. Her 20-year-old classmate, Devansh Pathak, was found injured at the property and was later arrested. Officers said they also recovered the weapon they believe was used in the attack.
According to police, Smriti and Devansh had known each other for several years, having studied together before enrolling in the same Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) course at college.
Investigators allege Devansh went to Smriti's home after learning she was alone. Police believe he had become suspicious about her conversations with another man and that an argument broke out between them.
Officers allege the confrontation turned violent, leaving the student with fatal injuries.
The incident came to light when Smriti's 22-year-old sister returned home and found the front door open.
After calling out and receiving no response, she went upstairs, where she discovered her sister lying in a pool of blood. Devansh was also found injured nearby.
She immediately alerted police and other family members.
Police said Devansh initially claimed Smriti had picked up a knife and tried to harm herself during the argument. He alleged he injured his hand while trying to take the weapon away from her.
However, officers later alleged he admitted slitting Smriti's throat during the altercation.
Police are now examining forensic and medical evidence to establish the exact sequence of events.
Investigators have seized a knife and a mobile phone and are analysing call records, messages and other digital evidence as they continue to investigate the alleged motive and reconstruct what happened before the student's death.
