Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal
Bhopal, Mar 27: In a significant breakthrough, Indore police have arrested all three suspects involved in the murder of 24-year-old Bhavana Singh, who was fatally shot near her eye during a house party in Mahalaxmi Nagar.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of March 20, around 2:30 a.m., at a party where alcohol was being consumed. After being shot, Bhavana was rushed to a private hospital by her companions but succumbed to her injuries the next day. Instead of informing her family, the suspects fled the hospital and left the city.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Aditya Patle confirmed that the accused—Mukul Yadav, Ashu Yadav, and Swasti Rai—were apprehended in Kasol, Himachal Pradesh. The trio had fled Indore and traveled through Bhopal, Gwalior, and Delhi before being traced.
The prime suspect has confessed to firing the fatal shot using an illegal country-made firearm, locally known as a ‘katta.’ Authorities have recovered the weapon and initiated a murder case against them.
Investigators tracked the accused using technological tools and intelligence sources, revealing their history of criminal activities. The suspects had nearly 60 bank accounts, over 25 mobile phones, and multiple ATM cards, and were linked to online gambling and fraud.
A fourth individual from Bhopal, suspected of aiding the trio, has been detained for questioning. The accused now face multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
A lookout notice and a ?10,000 reward were previously issued for the suspects. Police believe the murder occurred following an argument when Bhavana expressed her desire to leave the party. She was allegedly threatened before being shot.
Key evidence, including a keychain with an address left at the hospital and CCTV footage, helped investigators locate the suspects.
Bhavana, originally from Gwalior, had recently moved to Indore to pursue a beautician course. She was married and living in a rented apartment in Mahalaxmi Nagar. With both her parents deceased, her close acquaintance, Pankaj Thakur, whom she considered a brother, performed her last rites.
Authorities believe Bhavana’s acquaintance with Swasti Rai introduced her to the group involved in the tragic incident. Further investigations are underway.