Police have arrested 52-year-old Govind Ballabh Kholia in the double murder case involving an elderly couple in Naragwadi village under Baijnath Kotwali in Bageshwar. Investigators also recovered a blood-stained iron rod allegedly used in the attack, based on information provided by the accused.
The case concerns Puran Chandra Kholia, 70, and his wife Bhagwati Devi, 62. Police said both were found seriously injured at their home after a report of a quarrel was made on 1 November.
Police response after emergency call
According to the police account, Nikhil Kholia called Dial 112 at about evening 8:30 AM to report a dispute at Puran Chandra Kholia’s house in Naragwadi. A Baijnath police team then reached the location.
The couple had bleeding injuries to their heads and bodies. With help from local residents, police took them to Baijnath Community Health Centre, where doctors declared both dead.
After receiving information about the deaths, the superintendent of police directed the area officer to inspect the scene. Forensic teams from Almora and Bageshwar were also called to assist with the investigation.
Arrest and evidence recovery
Teams from Baijnath, Kausani, Kapkot and Jhirouli police stations, along with the Special Operations Group, were formed under the supervision of the area officer. Police conducted searches through the night and activated informers in the area.
On 2 November, police received information that led to Kholia’s arrest. During questioning, police said, he cited an old enmity as the reason for the alleged attack. The blood-stained iron rod was recovered at his direction.
The family’s complaint led to a case against Kholia under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 103(one), 109(one), 117(2), 333 and 352, including the murder-related provisions mentioned by police. The registration of a case and arrest are part of the investigation; they do not establish guilt before a court decision.
Police also said a review of the accused’s previous record found information about an attempt-to-murder case registered in the revenue area of Gagrigol. The police statement did not provide further details about that earlier case.
Forensic investigation continues
The Bageshwar superintendent of police said officers began action immediately after receiving information about the double death. The police, SOG and forensic teams are collecting scientific and technical evidence to ensure an impartial investigation.
Kholia is being produced before the court with the evidence recovered during the investigation. Further legal proceedings will determine the next stage of the case.
Conclusion
Police have arrested the elderly couple’s 52-year-old nephew and recovered a blood-stained iron rod in the Naragwadi case. The investigation remains focused on forensic, technical and other evidence, while the accused will face the court process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where did the incident take place?
Naragwadi village, within the Baijnath Kotwali area of Bageshwar, Uttarakhand.
Q. Who died in the incident?
Puran Chandra Kholia, 70, and his wife Bhagwati Devi, 62, were declared dead at Baijnath Community Health Centre.
Q. Who has been arrested?
Police arrested their 52-year-old nephew, Govind Ballabh Kholia.
Q. What prompted the police response?
Nikhil Kholia called Dial 112 at about evening 8:30 AM on 1 November to report a quarrel at the couple’s home.
Q. What evidence did police recover?
Police recovered a blood-stained iron rod at the accused’s direction.
Q. What reason did police attribute to the accused?
During questioning, police said the accused cited an old enmity as the reason for the alleged attack.
Q. Which legal sections were cited in the case?
The case was registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 103(one), 109(one), 117(2), 333 and 352.
Q. What happens next?
The accused is being produced before the court, while police continue collecting forensic and technical evidence.
