Kangra police crack murder mystery of Panchrukhi youth

The Kangra police have solved the murder case of 27-year-old Pankaj Kumar, a delivery boy from Panchrukhi village, whose body was found in the Kalidhar forest of Jawalamukhi after 26 days.

Pankaj had been missing since January 18, and his family had reported his disappearance the next day. His motorcycle was found abandoned near his house. The body was in a severely decomposed state, making identification difficult, but his family recognised him through a tattoo on his hand.

Following the discovery, Pankaj’s family and villagers staged a protest on the national highway, accusing the police of negligence. His parents, Gayatri Devi and Suresh Kumar, claimed that had timely action been taken, his life could have been saved.

Kangra SSP Shallini Agnihotri said in a press conference that Pankaj had a dispute with his neighbour, Nishu Bala, who had previously filed molestation complaints against him. Nishu Bala was married to another person but had past relations with Pankaj, and he allegedly continued to trouble her.

On January 18, she called Pankaj to her house, where an argument ensued. During the altercation, she struck him on the head with a sharp-edged weapon, killing him on the spot. She then, along with her father and other relatives, disposed of the body in the forest.

A total of six persons have been accused in the case. Five, including Nishu Bala, have been arrested, while one remains absconding. The police have registered a murder case against the accused.

Pankaj’s family alleges that the murder was premeditated and has accused Nishu Bala, Sushil Kumar (Shashi), and Uttam Chand of kidnapping and murder. The investigation is ongoing.