The quiet neighborhood of Bhadaini in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, woke up to horror on a recent morning when news of a brutal family massacre spread. The bodies of Nitu Gupta, 45, and her three children—Navanendra, 25; Gaurangi, 16; and Shubhendra, 15—were discovered in their home, riddled with bullets. The primary suspect in this tragedy, Rajendra Gupta, the husband and father of the victims, was initially missing, sparking suspicions about his involvement. Hours later, Rajendra’s lifeless body was found at a construction site, with a fatal bullet wound that suggested he had taken his own life after allegedly killing his family.
A Shocking Discovery
The tragedy unfolded early in the morning when the neighborhood realized something was wrong. Tenants residing in the same building noticed the unusual silence from the Gupta household. Despite the day’s routine, the house remained locked, and no one had seen or heard from the family. It was the family maid who discovered the gruesome scene, finding Nitu and her children lying motionless in their beds, each with fatal gunshot wounds. The entire family appeared to have been murdered in their sleep.
The scene was chilling, and the police were immediately summoned. Rajendra, however, was not among the bodies. It was only hours later, as the investigation continued, that Rajendra’s own body was located at a nearby construction site. He, too, had died from a gunshot wound, which the police suspect was self-inflicted.
Police Investigation and Suspicions
Senior police officer Gaurav Banswal addressed the media soon after the bodies were found, shedding light on the gruesome discovery. Officer Banswal confirmed that preliminary findings indicated the family members were shot while they slept, as there was no evidence of a struggle. Bullet casings and other evidence found at the scene pointed to the use of a pistol in the murders. However, a full investigation was launched to uncover the deeper motivations behind the tragedy.
One of the leading theories suggests a long-standing family dispute. An elderly neighbor reported hearing about conflicts within the Gupta family. Given Rajendra’s extensive and controversial past, police are also investigating other motives, including the possibility of a property dispute. Rajendra’s financial situation was complex: he owned eight to ten properties in the area and had a substantial income from rental properties and his country-made liquor business. With significant assets involved, the possibility that property disagreements might have driven Rajendra to this horrific act is one angle under serious scrutiny.
Rajendra Gupta’s Troubled History
Rajendra Gupta was no stranger to the police. His history is marked by violence and criminal activity, with multiple murder cases filed against him in the past. The allegations are disturbing—he was previously accused of murdering his own father, brother, and sister-in-law. Despite these accusations, Rajendra was out on bail at the time of his family’s tragic deaths. This bloody history has led investigators to question whether unresolved anger or a pattern of violent behavior may have contributed to this final, deadly act.
Police have also uncovered details about Rajendra’s strained relationship with his family, particularly with his wife, Nitu. As his second wife, Nitu had reportedly endured frequent quarrels with Rajendra. Sources indicate that tensions were high between them, and they were often heard arguing. These conflicts had become so intense that Rajendra had moved out over a year ago, living separately from his family until recently returning home for the Diwali holiday. This return, seemingly aimed at reuniting for a festive occasion, ended in an unspeakable tragedy.
Unverified Claims and Mystical Influences
In the aftermath of the murders, various reports surfaced with speculation about potential influences on Rajendra’s mental state. One particularly unusual detail is the rumor that Rajendra had been consulting with a local tantrik, or mystic, before the tragedy. According to some neighbors, Rajendra may have been influenced by the tantrik’s advice, possibly leading him to commit the unthinkable act of murdering his family. However, police officials have yet to confirm any connection between mystical influences and the murders. Officer Banswal assured the media that all angles, including the alleged influence of the tantrik, would be thoroughly investigated to understand Rajendra’s state of mind and motivations leading up to the event.
The Impact on Varanasi’s Bhadaini Locality
The horror of this incident has left the Bhadaini community shaken. Residents are struggling to process the brutal loss of a family that lived among them, seemingly going about their lives as any other household. While Rajendra was known to have a criminal history, the sheer scale of this tragedy has shocked even those who knew him. Neighbors, tenants, and local residents are haunted by the event, and the neighborhood is marked by a deep sense of fear and grief.
For the families renting from Rajendra, the realization that they lived in close proximity to a man capable of such violence has been deeply unsettling. Many are now reconsidering their future in the area, grappling with the horrifying knowledge that they shared their living space with a family harboring such dark and tragic secrets.
Lingering Questions and Legal Proceedings
The investigation into the murders of Nitu, Navanendra, Gaurangi, and Shubhendra Gupta continues, as the police piece together Rajendra’s motives and the events leading up to the fatal night. While the primary suspicion is that Rajendra committed the murders before taking his own life, the investigation will seek to uncover the precise motivations behind this tragic incident. The autopsy reports, forensic evidence, and testimonies from neighbors and acquaintances are expected to provide more clarity.
Police officials have expressed their commitment to thoroughly examining Rajendra’s financial dealings, property disputes, and personal relationships to identify any additional factors that may have played a role. The extensive investigation will also include a detailed review of his criminal past, the unresolved legal cases he was involved in, and the impact these might have had on his mental state.
A Community Mourns and Reflects
As the investigation progresses, the Bhadaini community faces the difficult task of healing from a tragedy that has left a lasting impact. For many, the story of Rajendra Gupta serves as a grim reminder of how unresolved conflicts, both personal and legal, can culminate in devastating consequences. Neighbors, friends, and even strangers who have heard of the case are left wondering about the role of mental health, family dynamics, and the influence of unchecked power and wealth in Rajendra’s descent into violence.
The tragic deaths of Nitu and her children highlight the urgent need for better support systems for families facing turmoil and individuals with histories of violence. While the police work to provide answers, the loss of four lives serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the destructive potential of unresolved anger and discord. For the residents of Bhadaini, the Guptas’ story will forever be a chapter marked by shock, grief, and reflection on the need for compassion and intervention in times of personal crisis.