Ghaziabad gym trainer with help of Delhi government employee’s wife tries to kill man after he opposed the affair, daughter’s cries alert neighbours

A Delhi government employee was allegedly attacked with knives while sleeping beside his young daughter at his home in Vasundhara early Monday, after his wife and her suspected lover allegedly conspired to kill him, police told TOI. The victim, Shashank Kanthariya, 35, a senior accountant, was stabbed multiple times and is currently admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Police arrested his wife, Priya, 32, and her alleged lover, gym trainer Pratap Singh, 30, on Tuesday.

According to police, the alleged conspiracy followed the discovery of Priya’s relationship with Singh and a dispute over Kanthariya’s plans to move house. The child woke up during the attack and began crying, alerting neighbours. Singh allegedly fled but was chased and caught by security guards, who handed him over to the police. Kanthariya’s daughter was not injured.

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How did the alleged affair begin?

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Indirapuram) Suryabali Maurya told TOI that Singh began working at a gym in Vasundhara in January this year and became Priya’s trainer. The two allegedly entered into a relationship about a month later.

Kanthariya reportedly learned about the affair towards the end of September and asked Priya to end the relationship. He also asked her either to change gyms or stop attending the facility.

Police said the couple had been married for around five years. Priya had been divorced once before marrying Kanthariya in 2021.

Dispute over moving house allegedly preceded attack

According to police, Kanthariya was planning to move and had been looking at houses in Delhi, a decision Priya allegedly opposed. He intended to finalise a property on Sunday.

Investigators allege that Priya told Singh about the situation and that the two began conspiring to kill Kanthariya.

Timeline of the alleged attempt to murder

Early Monday, around 5 am: Priya left home for the gym, reportedly following her usual morning routine, and left the front door unlocked. Police allege that Singh used the opportunity to enter the house carrying two knives.

During the attack: Singh allegedly stabbed Kanthariya multiple times while he was asleep beside his daughter. The child woke up and began crying, drawing the attention of neighbours.

After the attack: Singh fled but was chased and caught by security guards, who handed him over to the police. Kanthariya was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was admitted to the ICU.

Monday and Tuesday: Police detained Priya for questioning as part of the investigation. Kanthariya’s brother, Ritesh, lodged a complaint, following which an FIR was registered against Priya and Singh.

Tuesday: Both accused were arrested and produced before a court. They were subsequently sent to judicial custody.

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Charges against the accused

The FIR was registered under Sections 109, 333 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to attempt to murder, house trespass after preparation for causing hurt, assault or wrongful restraint, and criminal conspiracy, respectively.

ACP Maurya said the investigation was continuing. The allegations against Priya and Singh are yet to be established in court.