Jammu and Kashmir Police solve priest’s ‘blind murder case’ after five years

Jammu, May 29: The Jammu & Kashmir Police have solved a five-year old blind murder case, bringing closure to a crime that had perplexed investigators since 2019 in Jammu district, officials said today.

According to a police spokesperson, the case involved the murder of Baba Pragat Nathji, a revered priest, during the intervening night of November 15 and 16, 2019.

In the aftermath of this tragic incident, a case (FIR No. 194/2019) under Section 302 of the IPC was registered at Police Station Bakshi Nagar, Jammu.

“The police launched an extensive investigation meticulously gathering technical evidence that pointed to the involvement of two notorious criminals. One of the accused, Tarlok Singh, son of Lakhan Singh, resident of Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh was identified but had been absconding. Unfortunately, Tarlok Singh later passed away. The main culprit Ashish Kumar alias Hansai Nath, son of Jai Singh, residing at H No RZ/487, Gali No 14, Kailashpuri Extension, Palam Colony, South West Delhi, was recently apprehended by the team of Police Station Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, from district Jind, Haryana,” spokesperson said.

Investigations revealed that the duo operated as part of a gang involved in multiple criminal activities, including theft, cheating, and murder, across various states such as Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

“Following Ashish Kumar's arrest, all necessary legal formalities were completed, and the case has now been charge-sheeted before the competent court for legal proceedings,” the spokesperson said.