Lucknow police have solved the murder of a property dealer in the upscale Sushant Golf City area, thanks to a barcode printed on a liquor bottle recovered from the crime scene, officials said on Thursday.
Discovery of the Body
The body of Sachin, also known as Kalia (30), a property dealer from Rewatapur under PGI Police Station limits, was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head near a school along Nagram Road in Awadh Vihar Yojana on May 5. The victim had been shot execution-style.
Breakthrough via Barcode
Police stated that the breakthrough came after forensic and surveillance teams examined a liquor bottle found near the body. By analyzing its barcode, investigators traced the specific liquor shop from which the bottle had been purchased shortly before the murder. This led them to review CCTV footage from the outlet and nearby locations.
Identification of Suspects
The footage revealed suspects Santosh Kumar Yadav (40) and Kamal Yadav (37) purchasing liquor and later moving toward the crime scene. Police also reconstructed the victim's last movements and discovered that he had attended a liquor party organized by the accused before being taken to a secluded location and fatally shot.
Arrest and Confession
ADCP South Zone Vasant Kumar said police arrested Santosh and his relative Kamal in connection with the murder. During interrogation, Santosh confessed that he operated a kiosk selling cigarettes, gutkha, and water near Bhatta Chauraha and was frequently in dispute with Sachin over unpaid dues. Sachin took goods on credit, refused to pay, and threatened the shopkeeper whenever money was demanded.
Premeditated Murder
Investigators revealed that the accused invited Sachin to a liquor party on May 3 and deliberately made him consume alcohol excessively. Once heavily intoxicated, he was taken to an isolated area where Kamal allegedly shot him in the temple using Sachin's own country-made pistol. The case highlights the use of modern forensic techniques in solving violent crimes.
