Hardoi | January 13, 2026 | A shocking incident inside a police station in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district has raised serious questions over law enforcement preparedness and security protocols. A man shot dead his wife inside the Pali police station premises on Monday morning, despite the woman being under police supervision at the time.
According to police, the victim, identified as 34-year-old Soni, was brought to the police station a day earlier after being traced by the police. Her husband, Anoop, was arrested at the spot along with the country-made firearm used in the crime. The daylight killing inside the police station triggered panic and outrage across the district.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
Dispute Originated After Woman Left With Alleged Lover
Police officials said Soni had left her home on January 7 with her alleged lover, Surjeet. Following her disappearance, Anoop lodged a complaint at the Pali police station, accusing Surjeet of luring his wife away. Acting on the complaint, the police traced Soni on Sunday and brought her to the station for recording her statement and medical examination.
Police sources said Anoop had expressed willingness to take his wife back home after she was found. On Sunday evening and again on Monday morning, he arrived at the police station along with his son, brother and other relatives to persuade her to return.
On Monday morning, when Anoop once again asked Soni to accompany him, she reportedly did not respond and turned her back towards him. Enraged by her refusal, Anoop pulled out a firearm and shot her in the back inside the police station premises.
Murder Inside Station Despite Police Presence
Eyewitnesses said that after being shot, Soni remained standing for a brief moment before collapsing. She was rushed to the Hardoi Medical College, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. At the time of the incident, Anoop’s son and brother were standing only a few steps away, unaware that the situation would escalate into violence.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Anoop did not enter the police station through the main gate. Instead, he used an open rear access route leading directly into the premises. The lack of regular monitoring along this route is being viewed as a major security lapse.
Action Taken Over Lapses
Soon after the incident, senior police officials reached the spot and inspected the scene. Based on initial findings, a sub-inspector associated with the investigation and a woman constable on duty have been suspended for negligence. A detailed probe into the incident has been handed over to a senior officer.
Police authorities said that such an incident inside a police station is extremely serious. Instructions have been issued to review security arrangements, access points and supervision protocols, and to fix accountability for lapses.
Family Background
Anoop and Soni had been married for 16 years and have a son. According to family members, the couple had moved to Gurugram about a year ago, where they worked at a factory. During this period, Soni reportedly developed close ties with Surjeet. She later returned to her village, but remained in contact with him.
On January 7, when she left home again, the matter was reported to the police, eventually leading to her being traced and brought to the station.
Questions Over Police Security
The killing of a woman inside a police station has sparked sharp criticism and raised concerns over the safety of individuals brought to police premises. Social organisations have condemned the incident and demanded stricter security checks, controlled access to station premises and enhanced protection for women.
Police officials said a murder case has been registered against the accused and further investigation is underway. The incident has once again put the spotlight on security protocols inside police stations across the state.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
