In a significant development, Rohit Kumar (27) and Mohd Shahzad (29) were arrested by Meerut Police on Tuesday for their involvement in the murder of Shivam Kumar, a 25-year-old fertiliser and seeds shop owner from Hapur. The police encounter, which took place during the arrest, left both suspects with bullet wounds to their legs.
SSP Meerut Vipin Tada stated that the two accused were linked to the murder, which appears to have been orchestrated by a former village head (Pradhan) from Baroda Village in Hapur, who hired the suspects as contract killers. The motive behind the murder is believed to stem from an old rivalry between Shivam Kumar and the former village head, which eventually escalated to the murder plot.
Further investigations revealed that the former village head has fled abroad to avoid police scrutiny, and efforts are underway to track him down.
The crime unfolded on Thursday evening, when Shivam Kumar was abducted while returning home. He was severely assaulted and later found dead with his throat slit in a forested area in Meerut. An FIR was registered under BNS Section 103 (murder) after the discovery of his body.
The police are continuing their investigation, questioning the arrested individuals, and working to identify any additional suspects involved in the crime.
