Haridwar police have arrested a woman and her husband over the alleged murder of Gopal Kumar, 50, a resident of Bijnor, whose body was found near Sarvanand Ghat. Police say the killing followed a plan involving the woman, her husband, the husband’s brother and another man from their village.
According to the police account, Gopal was taken to the Ganga bank on 16 September. He allegedly fell asleep after drinking alcohol, after which the attackers struck him with a chopper and a sharp knife. His mobile phone and wallet were later thrown into the river, police said.
The woman, aged 36, and her husband Narendra, 40, were taken into custody near Motichur Railway Station. Police said an iron chopper believed to have been used in the crime has been recovered. The 2 other suspects remain untraced, and the arrested couple will be presented in court.
How the unidentified body was traced
An unidentified man’s body was found in the Kotwali Nagar area on the morning of 17 September. Investigators found a bus ticket linked to Bijnor near the body, but no identity document was available.
Police then contacted stations in nearby areas and districts while trying to establish the victim’s identity. Relatives who reached Haridwar on 20 September identified him as Gopal Kumar, son of Uma Charan, from New Basti near the Excise Outin Bijnor.
His son, Ashu Kumar, subsequently submitted a complaint at Kotwali Nagar police station. A case was registered against unidentified persons before the investigation led officers towards people known to the victim.
Police account of the alleged motive
Senior Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh Bhullar said the investigation focused on Narendra, a resident of Mominpur Dargo Bharera village under Kotwali Bijnor. Narendra had reportedly been receiving treatment in Meerut when Gopal came into contact with his wife.
Police allege that Gopal and the woman had financial dealings that later developed into a relationship. Officers further claimed that Gopal wanted her to leave her family and live with him. He was also accused of threatening to circulate a video and harm her.
The woman allegedly told her husband about the situation. Police say Narendra then joined his wife, his brother and another village resident in preparing the attack. The village resident was allegedly promised 50 thousand rupees for his role.
These details are part of the police investigation and allegations. The arrested suspects’ guilt has not been established by a court.
Call records helped investigators
The case began to take shape after officers visited the victim’s home area and questioned people there. Police also examined Gopal’s call records, which allegedly showed repeated contact with the woman’s phone number.
Investigators said the call information, along with concerns raised by Gopal’s relatives, helped them connect the victim with the accused woman. The inquiry then led police to the couple near Motichur Railway Station.
Police have not yet announced the arrest of the 2 remaining suspects. Their search continues, while the legal process against the detained couple is due to proceed after their court appearance.
Conclusion
Police allege that a dispute involving Gopal, the woman and her family led to a planned attack near Haridwar’s Sarvanand Ghat. 2 people have been arrested, one weapon has been recovered and 2 suspects remain wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who was killed in the Haridwar case?
Gopal Kumar, 50, a resident of New Basti near the Excise Outin Bijnor, was killed.
Q. Where was the body found?
The body was discovered near Sarvanand Ghat in Haridwar, within the Kotwali Nagar area.
Q. Who has been arrested?
Police arrested Narendra, 40, and his 36-year-old wife near Motichur Railway Station.
Q. How many suspects are still being sought?
Police said 2 other accused people remain to be arrested.
Q. What weapon was recovered?
Investigators recovered an iron chopper allegedly used in the attack.
Q. How did police identify the victim?
A Bijnor-linked bus ticket was found near the body. Relatives later identified Gopal Kumar on 20 September.
Q. What helped police develop the case?
Police said questioning and examination of the victim’s call records helped reveal links to the accused woman.
