Uncle murdered in Punjab, friend shot dead in moving car: Suspect arrested before Delhi escape

Haryana Police on Thursday claimed to have received a breakthrough in a double murder case with the arrest of the prime suspect within hours of the crime, preventing his alleged attempt to flee towards Delhi.

The accused, identified as Sahil Malik of Panipat, is suspected of being involved in the killings of two persons, including his uncle, in a sequence of events that unfolded across Punjab and Haryana on June 17.

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According to police officials, the first incident took place in Dera Bassi, Punjab, where Rahul Malik, the accused’s uncle, was allegedly shot dead. Investigators said the suspect then transported the body in his vehicle and left the area before law enforcement agencies could intercept him.

The case took a serious turn when, during preliminary questioning, the accused allegedly disclosed that he later picked up his friend Ankush from Panipat and shot him while travelling in the same vehicle. Police said both bodies were subsequently dumped near the Sivah canal area in Panipat before the accused attempted to escape towards the national capital.

Following information about the murder, Sonipat Police launched a coordinated operation involving the CIA unit and Murthal police station. Acting on technical surveillance, intelligence inputs, and route analysis, police teams established checkpoints at strategic locations, including the Bhigan toll plaza.

Officials said the suspect’s vehicle was intercepted during the operation, and he was taken into custody before he could leave Haryana. Police described the arrest as the result of swift coordination between multiple units and real-time tracking of the accused’s movements.

Director General of Police Ajay Singhal said Haryana Police was committed to maintaining law and order and would continue to pursue a zero-tolerance approach towards serious crimes. He said modern technology, intelligence gathering, and coordinated policing were helping law enforcement agencies respond quickly to criminal incidents and bring offenders to justice.

Police teams are now working to recover additional evidence and complete forensic and legal formalities linked to the case. Authorities said efforts were underway to establish the exact sequence of events and determine the motive behind the killings.

The accused has been handed over to the investigating agency in Panipat for further interrogation. Police said the probe remains underway and additional details are expected to emerge as questioning continues.