The Panipat Police arrested two accused in the murder of Jaideep Rathi, younger brother of INLD district president Kuldeep Rathi, following a brief police encounter late Sunday night on IOCL Refinery Road.
The accused injured in the encounter, Gurdarshan, a resident of Ambala, sustained a bullet injury to his leg after allegedly opening fire on the police team. He was admitted to the Civil Hospital, and a pistol was recovered from his possession. His associate, Jaljeet, alias Bhola, managed to flee amid dense fog and darkness.
Another accused, Jaswant, alias Jassi of Chaharwala village, Yamunanagar district, was arrested separately and produced before court on Monday, which granted eight days’ police remand.
During preliminary investigations, Jaswant disclosed that he and Gurdarshan had murdered Jaideep Rathi on December 27. The accused allegedly took the body to a secluded spot, burned it, and dumped the remains in a canal to destroy evidence.
According to SP Bhupender Singh, a special investigation team led by DSP Rajbir Singh and DSP Narender Singh was formed. CCTV footage revealed that Jaideep initially traveled in his car and later switched vehicles after the Derabassi toll plaza. The same two persons were later seen taking Jaideep’s car, but without him.
Police and FSL teams are planning to recreate the route to verify disclosures, noting that the accused attempted to mislead investigators. Meanwhile, INLD leaders and family members staged a protest at the mini secretariat, demanding recovery of the body and strict action against the perpetrators.
