Love affair turns fatal, youth’s body found in Bhakra canal in Fatehabad

In a suspected case of honour killing linked to a love affair, the body of a 19-year-old youth, Ankit, was recovered from the Bhakra canal near Gorakhpur village in Fatehabad district. The body was found on Friday near the Nirankari Bhawan on Hisar Road by Bhuna police.

Ankit, a painter by profession and a resident of Kabrel village in Adampur (Hisar), had been missing since June 9. His family had reported him missing at the Bhuna police station on June 10.

The police said Ankit’s body bore serious injury marks, and his eyes and tongue were protruding, indicating foul play.

"Post-mortem findings confirm murder. A case has been registered and investigations are underway," said Bhuna SHO Surender Kumar.

Ankit’s grandfather, Girdhari Lal, and cousin, Rajbir, alleged he was in a relationship for the past two years with a 30-year-old married woman from Bhuna who has two children.

"On the night of June 9, she called him to her house. Her husband, along with some family members and friends, brutally murdered him and dumped his body in the canal to destroy the evidence," claimed Rajbir.

The family also alleged that they had been receiving threats prior to Ankit’s disappearance. Following the discovery of his body, relatives rushed to the site and demanded swift justice.

The police have identified Ramesh alias Bakra, a resident of Ward 13, Shani Colony, as the prime accused.

“Three teams have been deployed to track the accused and conduct raids at possible hideouts,” added SHO Kumar.