In a shocking case of familial betrayal, Mathura Police have arrested a 34-year-old man for the alleged murder and robbery of his own uncle, a prominent local jewellery businessman. The accused, identified as Ritesh Agarwal, is said to have been driven by massive debts accumulated through online betting.
The Gruesome Crime and Swift Arrest
The body of 60-year-old Satish Chandra Garg was discovered at his residence on January 4. He lived alone, as his children worked outside the city. A preliminary investigation revealed that jewellery, silverware, cash, and his mobile phone were missing from the house. The post-mortem report indicated the murder had occurred at least 24 hours before the discovery of the body.
Acting on a complaint filed by the deceased's son, an FIR was registered under sections 103(1) (murder) and 309(6) (robbery) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Govind Nagar police station. Six special teams were formed to crack the case. Their breakthrough came from analysing CCTV footage, which helped identify the suspect.
The police successfully apprehended Ritesh Agarwal near Radhapuram on the Vrindavan-Mathura road on Tuesday.
Debt-Driven Motive and Chilling Recovery
During interrogation, the accused confessed to the crime. Mathura Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar revealed the motive: Agarwal was addicted to online betting and had accumulated debts amounting to approximately Rs 35 lakh. Knowing his uncle lived alone, he saw an opportunity.
"He knew that Garg lived alone and took advantage of the situation," stated SSP Kumar. Agarwal told police he purchased a pointed awl (suja) a day before the crime. He attacked Garg while he was asleep and then fled with the valuables.
The police recovery from the accused paints a clear picture of the robbery's scale:
- 45.9 kg of silver
- 19.6 grams of gold
- Rs 18,000 in cash
- The murder weapon – the pointed awl
- A scooter allegedly used in the crime
The total value of the stolen cash and valuables is estimated to be around Rs 1.3 crore.
Investigation Highlights and Legal Proceedings
The case underscores the severe consequences of gambling addiction and the vulnerability of those living alone. The police's use of CCTV footage was crucial in swiftly identifying and locating the suspect, preventing him from potentially fleeing or disposing of the evidence.
With the accused in custody and a detailed confession recorded, the police are now building a strong charge sheet. The recovery of the murder weapon and the stolen property significantly strengthens the prosecution's case. The investigation remains ongoing to ensure all legal procedures are thoroughly followed.
