LUCKNOW: A 19-year-old woman, allegedly killed by her boyfriend after she became pregnant, was found in a skeletal condition in a forest area on the outskirts of Lucknow on Saturday, officials said.The victim, a resident of Sandana in Sitapur district, had left home on 25 May to attend college in Kuchlai village. When she did not return, her family filed a kidnapping case at Sandana police station. The accused has been identified as Vishal Pal, a resident of Saraiya village in Sitapur district, also arrested on Saturday who was later injured in an alleged encounter while trying to escape from custody.During the investigation, police collected evidence and questioned Vishal Pal, a resident of Saraiya village in Sitapur district.Investigators said the two were in a relationship and the woman had become pregnant. The accused allegedly killed her following a dispute over marriage and pregnancy.Acting on information given by Pal, police reached a forested area and recovered clothes believed to belong to the woman, along with a slipper, skull-like skeletal remains, bones, and hair.Officials said family members identified the recovered clothing and remains. Police added that the body had fully decomposed and was found in a skeletal state after being dumped in the forest near the ring road.A forensic team collected evidence from the spot, and the remains have been sent for post-mortem examination. DNA profiling and other tests will be conducted if required.Sitapur Additional Superintendent of Police Durgesh Singh said Pal was arrested and later allegedly confessed during interrogation.He further said that on Saturday, while police were taking the accused to recover evidence, he asked to attend nature’s call and allegedly tried to escape by snatching a pistol and opening fire at the team.Police returned fire, and the accused suffered a bullet injury in his leg. He was later taken to hospital for treatment.Police said further investigation is underway and key evidence has been recovered at the accused’s instance.
