In a significant breakthrough, the Mohali Police have apprehended the prime suspect in the brutal murder of an elderly woman from her Phase-5 residence. The arrest was made in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, following intensive interrogation and investigative leads. Authorities confirm a manhunt is actively underway to capture a second accomplice still at large.
From Domestic Help's Confession to UP Raids
The case saw a critical turn after the sustained questioning of the family's domestic help, Neeraj, who was earlier detained for investigation. Acting on a disclosure statement provided by Neeraj, a special police team conducted coordinated raids in Uttar Pradesh. This operation led to the arrest of his associate, identified as Rahul, a resident of Fatehpur district in UP.
The horrific crime occurred on the night of December 29. The victim, Ashok Kumari Goel, wife of former Punjab Additional Advocate General Krishan Kumar Goel, was found murdered inside her home in Phase-5, Mohali. Preliminary reports indicate she was strangled. At the time of the incident, Krishan Kumar Goel was overseas, visiting his daughter in Muscat, Oman.
Unraveling the Crime: Robbery, Recognition, and Murder
The murder came to light the next morning when another domestic helper arrived for work. The helper discovered Neeraj tied to a chair, while Ashok Kumari Goel lay dead inside the house. Initial investigation pointed towards robbery as the primary motive, with the assailants fleeing with cash and jewellery.
CCTV footage from the neighborhood proved crucial, capturing two individuals entering the house late at night, which helped police identify the suspects. During interrogation, the arrested accused, Rahul, allegedly disclosed that their initial plan was theft, not murder. He claimed an argument ensued after they entered the house, leading to a physical struggle.
During the scuffle, the cloth covering Rahul's face reportedly slipped. Fearing that the elderly woman had recognized him, he allegedly proceeded to strangle her to death, according to sources familiar with the interrogation.
Family Connections and Ongoing Investigation
Advocate Krishan Kumar Goel revealed that the arrested accused, Rahul, is the brother of their domestic help Neeraj. He stated that Rahul had visited their Phase-5 house on several previous occasions to meet his brother. Goel also mentioned that Rahul had worked at their elder daughter's residence in Rishikesh for a considerable time when she was posted there.
Confirming the arrest, SP City Dilpreet Singh said, "The main accused, Rahul, a resident of Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested in connection with the murder. Raids are being conducted to arrest his other accomplice." The third suspect, named by police as Nitin, remains fugitive.
The Mohali Police have stated that further investigation is in progress and more developments are expected in the case as they pursue all leads to ensure complete justice.
