LUCKNOW, March 23 -- A police dog leading investigators straight to the accused proved pivotal in cracking a chilling murder case within hours in Lucknow, where a 36-year-old daughter-in-law allegedly killed her 69-year-old mother-in-law with the help of a 22-year-old man, a tenant in the same house.

The victim, Nirmala Devi, was found tied up and unconscious at her home in Nishatganj on Saturday evening. She lived with her son, daughter-in-law, one grandson, and two minor granddaughters.

Initially projected as a robbery, the case quickly unraveled after forensic teams and a dog squad reached the spot. The sniffer dog tracked the scent and stopped near Rajan Sharma, leaving onlookers stunned as he tried to shoo it away.

"Based on a com...