Illicit affair led to Panchayat Deputy Head’s killing

In a shocking revelation of betrayal and revenge, the Kangra police have solved the murder of Ravi Rana (40), son of late Bhim Singh, Deputy Head of Chek Panchayat in Baijnath subdivision. His close friend, Vinod Kumar, alias Neetu, a resident of the same village, has been arrested for the crime, Kangra SP Ashok Rattan confirmed today.

Ravi Rana’s body was discovered on a link road in the Chadiyar area during the early hours of October 29. He bore severe head injuries, suggesting a brutal assault. Acting promptly on a complaint lodged by Ravi’s brother, Shashi Kumar, the police sealed the spot and sent the body to Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College and Hospital, Tanda, for post-mortem. The report confirmed death due to fatal head injuries.

A forensic team from the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL), Dharamsala, examined the site and collected crucial evidence. During investigation, it emerged that Ravi, who was unmarried, was allegedly having an illicit affair with Vinod’s wife, leading to growing animosity between the two friends.

The police said on the night of October 28, Vinod intercepted Ravi on the road and attacked him with a sharp-edged weapon, killing him on the spot before fleeing. The case was cracked through a combination of forensic evidence, mobile data analysis and eyewitness accounts.

Confronted with the evidence during interrogation, Vinod reportedly confessed to the murder, admitting that he acted in a fit of rage after learning about the alleged affair, the SP added.