Delhi woman goes missing, two bodies found, but no closure: A murder case that collapsed after years

New Delhi — June 16, 2025: The mysterious disappearance of 23-year-old Sheetal Chaudhary in 2020 led to the arrest of her family members, but the case eventually unraveled after years of investigation.

Back in October 2019, Sheetal married Ankit Bhati at an Arya Samaj temple despite her family’s opposition. Just months later, in early 2020, Ankit reported her missing at New Ashok Nagar police station. He alleged that Sheetal’s family was responsible for abducting or harming her.

Soon after, a decomposed body was found in a canal in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. Ankit identified it as Sheetal based on a photograph. The police, relying on his statement and further evidence, arrested Sheetal’s parents and four relatives, alleging they strangled her and dumped her body.

However, years later, another body—also believed to be Sheetal’s—was discovered, creating serious doubts about the initial identification. With no conclusive forensic match and inconsistencies in the investigation, the case has now fallen apart, and those accused may walk free, leaving behind unanswered questions and a family torn apart.