Punjab Police Uncover Premeditated Murder Disguised as Drowning in Sangrur District
Police in Punjab's Sangrur district have successfully cracked a nearly three-month-old case initially thought to be an accidental drowning, now exposing it as a meticulously planned murder driven by insurance fraud. Authorities have made one arrest and are actively pursuing a second suspect in connection with the crime.
From Accidental Death to Murder Investigation
Senior Superintendent of Police Sartaj Singh Chahal provided detailed insights into the case. The body of Krishan, a 51-year-old resident of Ramgarh Gujran village under Khanouri police station, was discovered in a water channel within agricultural fields on November 25, 2025. At that time, the death appeared to be a straightforward case of accidental drowning, and the family proceeded with the last rites accordingly.
However, suspicions began to surface weeks later when a life insurance policy document arrived at the deceased's home. The policy, issued on November 19, 2025, named Sonu as the nominee, and investigators noted that the first premium had already been paid. Further red flags emerged when representatives from a private finance company approached the family regarding unpaid installments on a vehicle loan taken in Krishan's name for an SUV.
Elaborate Fraud Scheme Unraveled
Police investigation revealed that the loan was insured through a company, again listing Sonu as the nominee. This prompted authorities to register a First Information Report on February 22 under sections 103 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Sonu and his associate Gurpreet Singh, both residents of the same village.
According to SSP Chahal, the accused allegedly spent months orchestrating an elaborate scheme. They opened a bank account in Krishan's name, secured a vehicle loan of Rs 8.12 lakh, and obtained a life insurance policy worth Rs 15 lakh. Remarkably, the accused even paid the annual premium of Rs 1.35 lakh themselves to ensure the insurance payout would be processed.
Murder Method and Motive Revealed
During interrogation following his arrest on February 22, Sonu allegedly confessed that he and his accomplice specifically targeted Krishan, who was unmarried and known to consume alcohol regularly. Police allege that on November 24, 2025, the accused took Krishan to agricultural fields where they consumed alcohol together.
Once Krishan was heavily intoxicated, the accused allegedly drowned him in a water channel to stage the incident as an accidental death. This calculated move was designed to conceal the murder and facilitate the insurance fraud scheme.
Current Status and Investigation Details
Sonu, who owns approximately seven acres of land and is a father of three children, has been remanded to police custody for further questioning. Authorities are conducting intensive raids to apprehend the second accused, Gurpreet Singh Soni, who remains at large.
The case highlights the sophisticated methods employed by criminals in insurance fraud schemes and demonstrates police diligence in pursuing justice even when initial evidence suggests accidental death. The investigation continues as authorities work to gather additional evidence and ensure all responsible parties are brought to justice.
