Chhattisgarh Police have cracked the sensational murder of 25-year-old Purnima Chauhan, alias Poonam, in Sakti district, arresting nine people including the victim’s married boyfriend and his wife in a contract killing case.

According to police, Purnima was in a relationship with married man Murlishankar Chauhan. When she started pressuring him for marriage, Murlishankar and his wife Champa allegedly hired shooters for ₹4 lakh to eliminate her.

On June 26 morning, two masked youths entered Purnima’s house in Jongra village under Sakti police station and shot her three times. She was rushed to hospital but declared dead on arrival.

The couple paid ₹2 lakh in advance to the shooters. Champa allegedly broke her post office account to arrange the money. Seven others were involved in planning and execution of the crime.

Police arrested Murlishankar, Champa, and seven others from Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra after technical surveillance, call detail records, and CCTV footage. A pistol, live cartridges, two bikes, and cash were recovered.

The shooters reportedly watched the film Shooter for planning the murder.

This case has once again highlighted the dark side of extra-marital affairs turning fatal. Police said further investigation is on to ascertain the full conspiracy.