Man kidnapped, beheaded over relationship with friend’s sister

 

By Goal Post News Desk| September 2, 2025

Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA: A 22-year-old man was brutally murdered and beheaded in Kanpur after his relationship with a friend’s sister enraged the woman’s brothers. Police said eight people were involved in the crime, carried out on August 30, and described the killing as a meticulously planned act of vengeance.

The victim, identified as Rishikesh, a resident of Chakeri, was lured out of his house on the pretext of attending a Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. Two acquaintances, Nikhil and Mowgli, called him out, and soon after, he was kidnapped and taken to a forested area in the Kakori region, where six others were already waiting.

Tied Up, Thrashed, and Beheaded

According to DCP Satyajit Gupta, the attackers tied Rishikesh’s hands and legs before thrashing him. He was then beheaded, allegedly on the orders of Pawan Mallah, the prime accused, who had recently been released from jail. Police said the killing was motivated by Pawan’s anger after discovering Rishikesh was in a relationship with his sister.

One of the accused, identified as Danny, had brought sacks to the spot, which were used to carry Rishikesh’s severed head and torso. The remains were later transported in a stolen e-rickshaw to the Jajmau bridge, from where the accused dumped them into different parts of the Ganga river.

Murder Filmed on Phone

Investigators revealed that Pawan allegedly recorded the entire murder on his phone. Police said the footage could serve as crucial evidence once he is arrested. “We will conduct a forensic examination of the phone once it is recovered,” DCP Gupta said.

Missing Person’s Report Uncovers Crime

The murder came to light after Rishikesh failed to return home. His brother, Ravi Kumar, lodged a missing person’s complaint on August 30 and told police he suspected foul play. During the investigation, CCTV footage showed Pawan and others moving suspiciously on the night of the murder.

When police detained three men seen in the footage, they allegedly confessed and revealed the details of the crime, leading to the arrest of four accused. The remaining four, including Pawan and his brother Bobby, are absconding.

Police Investigation Ongoing

“The accused planned the murder after Pawan learnt of Rishikesh’s relationship with his sister. Two men kidnapped him while six others waited in the forest. After beheading him, they disposed of the body parts in the river,” DCP Gupta confirmed.

Police said a postmortem and DNA sampling of the remains are underway. The ownership of the stolen e-rickshaw used in the crime is also being verified.

Search operations are continuing to nab Pawan, Bobby, and two other accomplices.