Lucknow: What began as a routine police action linked to cow slaughter on the outskirts of Lucknow has unfolded into a carefully planned criminal conspiracy, with investigators alleging that a man was deliberately framed twice through planted beef consignments. Police said the plot stemmed from a marital dispute and involved an alleged extramarital affair, burner phones, fake identities and calculated misuse of digital evidence.
According to investigators, the conspiracy was allegedly masterminded by the victim’s wife, who, along with her alleged lover, planned to have her husband arrested and kept behind bars. Police said the motive was to exert pressure on him to agree to a divorce by weakening his legal and social standing.
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The case came to light on January 14, when Kakori police, acting on a purported tip-off, intercepted an online porter vehicle near Durgaganj. During a search, officers recovered 12 kg of beef from the vehicle. The driver told police that the delivery had been booked in the name of Wasif, a paper factory owner based in Aminabad.
Wasif denied placing any such order. However, preliminary technical verification revealed that the OTP used to authenticate the delivery had been generated on his mobile number, deepening suspicion against him. The investigation took a decisive turn when police examined CCTV footage from Wasif’s residence.
“At the exact moment the OTP was used, Wasif was seen inside the bathroom, while his phone was lying unattended outside,” a senior police officer said. “That single visual proved crucial and changed the course of the investigation.”
Subsequent inquiries revealed that the beef consignment had allegedly been planted to falsely implicate Wasif. Police said the conspiracy involved his wife and her alleged lover Amaan, a resident of Bhopal.
Investigators said Amaan allegedly used Wasif’s identity documents to book the online porter service from Aminabad to Kakori. The beef was reportedly transported from Bhopal, concealed inside a cardboard box, and discreetly loaded onto the vehicle before delivery.
To ensure swift police action, Amaan allegedly tipped off members of a right-wing organisation using a fake identity under the name “Rahul”, officials said. Police believe this step was intended to prompt immediate interception of the vehicle and strengthen the case against Wasif.
Police further stated that on December 31, Amaan travelled to Lucknow, where the duo allegedly procured a burner SIM card, registered in the name of a roadside dweller. This SIM was used exclusively to book the delivery and coordinate communications related to the consignment.
During the probe, investigators also traced the background of the relationship between the woman and Amaan. According to police, the two connected on Instagram in 2022, and what began as casual conversation gradually developed into an alleged affair.
Police said this was not the first attempt to frame Wasif. In September last year, nearly 20 kg of beef was recovered from a black Mahindra Thar parked at a multi-level parking facility in Hazratganj. The vehicle was registered in Wasif’s name, leading to his arrest and brief incarceration.
Further investigation later revealed that the beef had allegedly been planted inside the vehicle early in the morning when Wasif was not present. Although he was released soon thereafter, police said his wife wanted him to remain in jail for a longer period.
“That is when the second, far more sophisticated conspiracy was set in motion,” said Satish Chandra Rathore, inspector at Kakori police station.
Police have arrested Amaan in connection with the case. Officials said the role of Wasif’s wife has been clearly established during the investigation and that her arrest is likely in the coming days.
According to police, the case underscores how technology, fake identities and sensitive social issues can be exploited to engineer false criminal cases. Investigators said further inquiry is underway to analyse digital evidence, identify additional facilitators and examine whether similar tactics were employed in other incidents linked to the accused.
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.
