Dhanas youth murder case cracked, prime accused among three arrested

The police have solved a blind murder case within days of the incident, arresting three accused — including the main conspirator — in connection with the killing of Akash, a 22-year-old welder from Dhanas.

The case was registered at Sarangpur police station October 21 on the complaint of Neha, the victim’s sister. She reported that her brother had been missing since October 15 and a report was lodged three days later. On October 19, Akash’s decomposed body was discovered near Patiala ki Rao choe, close to the bridge in village Dhanas. A post-mortem examination was conducted at GMSH-16.

Taking cognisance of the case, special teams were constituted under the supervision of senior officers. Investigators examined CCTV footage, analysed call records, and conducted raids at multiple locations to trace the culprits.

Acting on vital clues, the police first apprehended Sonu alias Bunty (19) and Suraj alias Kancha (20) — both residents of Dhanas. The two accused were produced before the court on Thursday, which granted three days of police remand. Based on their interrogation, a third suspect, Harsh alias Chunni Lal (19) was also arrested from Dhanas.

Murder weapons recovered

During the investigation, the police recovered several pieces of crucial evidence linking the accused to the murder. From Sonu, officers recovered a blood-stained glass piece allegedly used in the assault, while from Suraj, they seized a blood-stained stone, his blood-soaked clothes and the victim’s mobile phone. Harsh, meanwhile, was found in possession of blood-stained garments and another stone used in the attack. All seized items have been sent for forensic examination.

Further investigation revealed that Suraj, identified as the mastermind, had a previous criminal history and was out on bail in another case (FIR No. 68 dated August 9, 2025 under Sections 118(1), 3(5), 351(2)(3) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the Sarangpur Police Station.

According to police findings, the accused initially tried to snatch Akash’s mobile phone. When they failed, they forced him to consume alcohol and once the victim lost consciousness, Suraj sexually assaulted him. The accused then brutally assaulted and killed Akash using sharp glass pieces and stones before fleeing the scene.

The police said the investigation is still underway and efforts are being made to gather additional forensic and digital evidence.