Police in Kaithal district have made a significant breakthrough in a shocking double murder case, arresting two individuals allegedly driven by a desire for vengeance rooted in a long-standing land dispute. The arrests came swiftly after the brazen daylight killings that rocked Pai village on Friday.
Decades-Old Land Feud Turns Deadly Again
According to Superintendent of Police Upasana, the tragic incident stems from a bitter conflict over land that has festered for 14 to 15 years between two families in Pai village. The complainant, Tejender alias Teji, stated that his family has been locked in the dispute with the family of Chela Ram. This enmity turned fatal once before, in 2012, when a clash resulted in the deaths of two members of Chela Ram's family.
The cycle of violence resurfaced with brutal force on December 19. Around 9:30 AM, Tejender was standing in a village lane with his cousin Sunil. His uncle, Bhana, was returning home from the fields. As Bhana entered the village, four youths arrived on two motorcycles, brandished weapons, and opened indiscriminate fire. Bhana sustained serious injuries and died on the spot.
Broad Daylight Attack and Swift Police Action
Before fleeing, the assailants chillingly declared they had also shot another family member, Rajender, son of Om Prakash, and that his body lay in the fields along Jatheri road. The family rushed to the location, finding Rajender's scooter parked by the road. His bullet-riddled body was recovered from a nearby field shortly after.
A murder case was immediately registered at the Pundri police station. Given the gravity of the crime, all district crime units were mobilized, including the Special Detective Unit, CIA-1, Anti-Vehicle Theft staff, and Pundri police personnel, to track down the perpetrators.
Accused Surrender, Motive Revealed
Through continuous raids and sustained pressure, two accused individuals—Rahul (26) and Vijay (22), both residents of Pai village—surrendered at the Pundri police station on Saturday. They were formally arrested by a team led by Sub-Inspector Virender.
Preliminary interrogation uncovered a grim motive for revenge. Police revealed that the fathers of Rahul and Vijay were among those killed in the 2012 clash. The accused allegedly committed the double murder to avenge those deaths. The SP further disclosed that Rahul already has two cases, including murder, registered against him, while Vijay faces charges for grievous assault, firing, and attempted theft.
Investigators have recovered two illegal country-made pistols from the possession of the arrested duo. Interrogation is ongoing, and a manhunt continues for the other accused involved in the attack. The arrested individuals will be produced before a court on Sunday, where police will seek remand for further investigation.
