Noida Property Dealer's Mysterious Death Triggers Family Outcry and Police Investigation
The tragic death of property dealer Pawan Kumar in Noida has escalated into a major controversy, with his family staging a vehement protest outside the GB Nagar collectorate in Surajpur on Saturday. The incident, which occurred on January 15 when Kumar was found dead at a deserted location, has raised serious questions about police handling and investigation procedures.
Family's Anguish and Demands for Justice
Family members from Kheda Dharampura village in Chapraula gathered for approximately two hours, raising slogans and demanding immediate police action. The protest concluded only after senior officials assured concrete steps would be taken by Monday. According to Mamta Devi, Kumar's wife, her husband had left their home on January 14 to meet Shyam Sundar Sharma, another resident of Khera Dharmapuri village, to collect owed money but never returned.
The discovery of his body near a deserted spot the following day has plunged the family into grief and suspicion. A formal complaint has been lodged against five individuals at the Badalpur police station, with the family persistently pushing for a murder case registration despite police initially suggesting suicide.
Controversial Police Handling and Investigation Discrepancies
The case has been marred by multiple allegations of police mishandling. Hema Yadav, Kumar's sister, revealed disturbing details about the identification process. "After recovering my brother's remains, the police declared them unidentified and took custody, completely dismissing the fact that Pawan's own son had recognized the body," she stated.
Formal identification occurred only after Birma Devi, Kumar's mother, staged another protest at the police station. Furthermore, the family claims they were prevented from video-recording the remains at the discovery site, adding to their suspicions about transparency in the investigation.
Legal Complexities and Arrest Developments
Ajab Singh, Kumar's father, detailed the family's extensive efforts for justice, including visits to the Lucknow Chief Minister's office, DGP, and various ministers. Despite these efforts, only one woman named Hemlata has been arrested in connection with the case. Mamta Devi claims that Hemlata confessed to conspiring in Kumar's murder, adding another layer to the complex investigation.
The Badalpur police registered an FIR under section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. However, in a contradictory development, the accused Hemlata was sent to jail after being remanded under section 108 (abetment of suicide), according to Ajab Singh's claims.
Threat Messages and Official Assurances
Adding to the mystery, it has been revealed that before the incident, Kumar received a threatening message on his phone from property dealer Rakesh Sharma, another accused in the case. Interestingly, Sharma reportedly apologized after the tragic event, though the circumstances remain unclear.
DCP Shakti Mohan Awasthi has assured the family of proper investigation and action. "The matter will be investigated thoroughly and appropriate action will be taken based on evidence," he stated, attempting to address the family's concerns about delayed justice.
The case continues to develop as the family awaits promised police action by Monday, hoping for clarity and justice in what they firmly believe was a murder rather than a suicide.
