Ranchi: An accused in the murder of city-based realtor Bhargav Singh at Pandra on Tuesday was arrested after a gunfight with police early Wednesday. Satyam Pathak, 28, attempted to escape from police custody while being taken to a location near Kanke dam, where he had allegedly concealed the pistol used in the murder, officers said.
Details of the Incident
Pathak allegedly shot Singh on Tuesday while he was coming out of a temple in Pandra. Singh was taken to a city hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries.
“Singh, before succumbing to his bullet injuries, in his statement to the police said that he was involved in a financial dispute over a piece of land with another realtor, Vijay Hendry Tete. Tete had earlier threatened to shoot Singh. Based on his statement, Tete was arrested. During interrogation, Tete revealed that he hired Pathak to kill Singh,” SP (city), Paras Rana, said.
Arrest and Gunfight
Police formed a special investigation team to apprehend Pathak and arrested him at around 7:30 am on Wednesday, while he was fleeing to Bihar’s Buxar, police said.
“Pathak confessed to shooting Singh and took cops to a location near Kanke dam, where he concealed the weapon used in the murder. He snatched a gun from a police personnel and shot around five rounds. In retaliation, police personnel fired two rounds at his legs,” Rana added.
Pathak's Criminal Background
Pathak is accused of several murders, including former Ranchi ward councillor Ved Prakash in July 2024. “He has been committing such crimes since 2012. Multiple cases are registered against him at Kotwali, Doranda and Namkum police stations under the Arms Act,” the SP said.
Police are yet to get proof about monetary transaction between Pathak and Tete in the Singh murder case. “Preliminary investigation revealed that Pathak was also trying to enter the real estate business, and he too had some dispute with Singh. He might have shot him out of enmity,” Rana added.
