The body of a 20-year-old man, bearing three bullet wounds, was discovered near a canal adjacent to Hansraj Stadium in Loni on Wednesday night, according to police officials.
Victim Identified
The deceased has been identified as Nitin, a resident of Baghpat. Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident may have stemmed from personal enmity. Police have registered a case against two suspects, Tanish and Ashutosh, who reside near the victim.
Sequence of Events
Police were alerted to the body by a local resident who called the helpline. Investigators believe the crime is connected to the victim's alleged elopement with a girl named Tanisha a few days prior. Nitin's cousin, who filed the complaint, stated that Nitin had accompanied Tanisha to Baghpat at her request. No case was registered regarding the elopement, as Tanisha stated she went willingly, and a settlement was reached between the families.
However, the cousin alleged that Tanisha's brothers, Tanish and Ashutosh (the accused), had repeatedly threatened to kill Nitin over the issue. One such threat was reportedly made in the cousin's presence.
Police Findings
Siddharth Gautam, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Loni, revealed that Tanisha had since married another man. Despite this, Nitin and Tanisha continued communicating, which may have motivated the brothers to kill him. On Wednesday, Nitin left home around 1:30 PM, saying he was heading to Baghpat Railway Station. Hours later, police informed the family that his body was found on the green belt along the Badi Banthla Canal.
The complainant suspects the two brothers are responsible, but believes others may also be involved.
Investigation Underway
Police theorize that Nitin was lured to Loni by the accused. They reportedly called him there, shared a drink, then shot him and fled. Police have formed teams to apprehend the suspects and are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas. The body has been sent for an autopsy.
