Bhopal Lake Case: Murder Mystery Deepens As Witnesses Who Were Live-In Partners Found Dead

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): In a chilling twist to a pending murder case, bodies of Priya Sahu (32) and Durgesh Soni (35), both witnesses in the murder of Priya's husband, were found floating in Bhopal’s Upper Lake early on July 25 — just a day before they were scheduled to testify in court.

The case, initially believed to be a possible suicide pact, has taken on darker overtones. According to Shyamla Hills police, morning walkers spotted the bodies near Boat Club at 8:30 am. Sub-Inspector Jagdish Parmar and his team reached the spot and retrieved the bodies with the help of divers. A scooty, slippers and Priya’s dupatta were found nearby.

Priya lived with her 13-year-old son in Vishwakarma Nagar, earning a living by stitching clothes. Durgesh, from Satna, worked in a jewellery shop. His brother said he left home on July 7 for Sagar but never mentioned a trip to Bhopal.

Key witnesses

The real shock came when police confirmed the two were key witnesses in the January 23 murder of Priya’s husband Dashrath Sahu in Sagar. According to the FIR filed by Durgesh, he, Priya and Dashrath were returning from a temple late that night when they were attacked by a group of four men.

Dashrath succumbed to injuries during treatment in Bhopal. All accused were arrested, and a court hearing was scheduled for July 26.

Live-in relationship

Police say Priya and Durgesh entered a live-in relationship after Dashrath's death, though Priya’s mother denies this and suspects foul play. Despite a post-mortem citing drowning as the cause of death, she insists her daughter wouldn’t have taken her own life.

Investigators now suggest the two had growing differences and may have taken the drastic step, but with the timing, connections, and contradictions involved — this case is far from closed.

Crime Timeline

• Jan 23, 2024: Priya Sahu, her husband Dashrath Sahu and friend Durgesh Soni attacked near Baheria Panchayat Bhawan, Sagar, while returning from a temple.Dashrath severely injured, later dies during treatment in Bhopal.

• Jan 24–Feb 2024: FIR registered. Durgesh and Priya become key eyewitnesses.Four accused arrested and sent to jail.

• July 7, 2024: Durgesh leaves Satna for Sagar. Family unaware he’s headed to Bhopal.

• July 25, 2024: Bodies of Priya and Durgesh found floating in Bhopal’s Upper Lake by morning walkers near Boat Club.Scooty, slippers, and Priya’s dupatta recovered nearby.

• July 26, 2024: The court date scheduled for the murder trial where Priya and Durgesh were to testify.

Postmortem Report

• Cause of death: Drowning.

• Police hint at suicide over personal differences.

• Priya’s mother alleges foul play and disputes live-in relationship claim.