Murder solved in 24 hours, victim’s cousin among those arrested

 

By Sumesh Rajan | June 21, 2025

Hoshiarpur, Punjab, INDIA: In a swift breakthrough, police in Hoshiarpur district in the north Indian state of Punjab have solved a blind murder case within 24 hours, arresting the main suspect -- who turned out to be the victim’s cousin -- and two others accused of supplying the murder weapon.

The incident occurred around 11 pm on June 18, when 20-year-old Aryan, a resident of Sehwan village, was shot dead near Shahpur Ghata village while returning from Ludhiana. He was traveling in a car with his maternal cousin, Naveen Kumar, of Kokowal Mazari village, after purchasing garments for their shop in Jhuggian village.

Initially described as a blind murder -- where no direct witnesses are available -- the case quickly turned after inconsistencies were noted in Naveen’s account. According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sandeep Kumar Malik, Naveen claimed he had exited the vehicle due to nausea, during which time three masked men on a motorcycle allegedly fired at Aryan, fatally hitting him in the head and chest before fleeing.

However, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Mukesh Kumar uncovered a different narrative. Investigators found that Aryan had recently expressed plans to start his own garment shop near Naveen’s existing outlet, triggering fears of business rivalry.

Police allege Naveen plotted the murder and lured Aryan to a secluded stretch near Shahpur Ghata, where he fatally shot him twice with a .32 bore country-made pistol. The firearm was reportedly supplied by two brothers, Gurmukh and Gurdeep, residents of Mehindwani village.

Authorities have recovered the pistol -- along with one live round, one spent cartridge, and the car used in the crime. All three accused -- Naveen, Gurmukh and Gurdeep -- have been arrested and presented before the court to obtain police remand for further interrogation.

SSP Malik confirmed that the investigation remains on-going.