Two friends who had gone missing from Lachhaura village in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat have been found dead, with their decomposed bodies recovered from behind a temple. The victims have been identified as Ankit and Israr, both residents of the area. Police recovered the bodies on Thursday after excavating the ground behind the temple following sustained investigation and questioning of suspects. The discovery has turned the missing-person case into a suspected double murder investigation.
Police Suspect Temple Priest Over Dispute
According to police, the two men were allegedly killed following a confrontation with temple priest Naresh Nath over his alleged relationship with Ankit’s sister. Police suspect that Nath may have fled the area along with his son. He reportedly remain absconding as investigators continue efforts to trace them. The exact circumstances surrounding the deaths and the sequence of events leading to the alleged killings are still being investigated.
Bodies Recovered After Suspects Questioned
Police said two people were detained for questioning in connection with the case. The bodies were subsequently recovered based on information provided by two arrested suspects, officials said. According to Superintendent of Police Suraj Kumar Rai, the recovery followed sustained investigation, analysis of technical evidence and detailed interrogation of the accused. Police are now investigating the alleged motive, the role of those involved and the circumstances in which Ankit and Israr were killed. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
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Shamshad Ali is a New Delhi–based journalist with over six years of experience spanning breaking news writing, on-the-ground reporting, and editing. When he isn’t chasing headlines, Shamshad is usually exploring new destinations, discovering hidden culinary gems, and striking up conversations with strangers. Many of whom turn out to be great sources, and even better friends. He can be reached at shamshadali.dar@gmail.com.
