Category: Crime

  • ‘Godman’ Ashok Kharat Remanded to 14-Day Judicial Custody

    NASHIK (Wednesday, April 8, 2026) — A Nashik district court has remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to judicial custody until April 21, 2026, in connection with a second rape case. Kharat stands accused of sexually exploiting a woman on multiple occasions over a four-year period by utilizing the guise of religious rituals and spiritual healing.


    Procedural Details: Video Conferencing for Security

    The proceedings took place on Wednesday as Kharat’s initial police custody in the second case expired.

    • The Hearing: Chief Judicial Magistrate B. N. Ichpurani presided over the matter.
    • Security Protocol: Due to significant public outrage and potential security threats, Kharat was not produced in the courtroom physically. Instead, the court conducted the proceedings via video conference from the central jail.
    • SIT Investigation: The Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed specifically to probe the mounting allegations against Kharat, informed the court that while the police interrogation phase for this specific case is complete, his detention is necessary to prevent tampering with witnesses.

    The Allegations: Exploitation Since 2020

    The second FIR against Kharat details a pattern of long-term abuse facilitated by his position of perceived spiritual authority.

    DetailInformation
    TimelineAlleged sexual exploitation occurred between 2020 and early 2026.
    The PretextThe victim alleged that Kharat claimed the sexual acts were part of “cleansing rituals” required for her spiritual and personal well-being.
    Multiple ComplaintsThis is the second formal rape case registered against him; the first case involved similar allegations of exploiting a devotee’s faith.
    SIT FocusInvestigators are currently mapping out the scale of Kharat’s operations and checking for other potential victims who may have been silenced by his influence.

    Legal Context and Background

    Ashok Kharat’s arrest followed a series of protests by local activists and victims’ rights groups in Nashik. The SIT was established after preliminary evidence suggested that the “ashram” run by Kharat was being used as a front for organized exploitation.

    • Charges: He has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rape and criminal intimidation, as well as the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.
    • Next Steps: The SIT is expected to file a comprehensive chargesheet before the 14-day judicial custody period expires, incorporating forensic evidence and statements recorded under Section 183 of the BNSS (formerly 164 CrPC).

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “‘Godman’ Kharat gets 14-day judicial custody in second rape case” (April 8, 2026).
    • The Times of India: “Nashik: SIT produces self-styled godman Ashok Kharat via video link” (April 8, 2026).
    • The Week: “Second rape case: Nashik court sends Ashok Kharat to judicial custody” (April 8, 2026).
    • Official Statement: Public Relations Officer, Nashik City Police (April 8, 2026).
  • Minor Detained for Alleged Rape of 13-Year-Old in Lucknow

    LUCKNOW (Wednesday, April 8, 2026) — A 17-year-old boy has been taken into custody for the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl in the Aashiana area of Lucknow. The incident, which took place late Tuesday evening, led to a swift police response after local residents grew suspicious and alerted the authorities.


    The Incident: A Deserted Spot in Aashiana

    The assault occurred while the minor survivor was returning home alone from a local market.

    • The Accused: A 17-year-old boy who was known to the victim.
    • The Crime: The accused reportedly led the girl to a secluded, deserted spot in the Aashiana area where the assault took place.
    • Police Alert: The case came to light when local residents spotted the girl in the company of the accused and four other boys and grew suspicious of their behavior. They immediately alerted the police via the 112 emergency service.

    Investigation and Police Action

    Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Zone) Vikrant Vir confirmed that a police team rushed to the location following the tip-off.

    Case DetailInformation
    DetentionFive boys were initially detained at the spot for questioning.
    Investigation FindingsBased on the survivor’s statement, police found that only the 17-year-old was involved in the rape; the other four were not participants.
    Medical StatusThe girl was immediately taken to a government hospital for a medical examination and specialized care.
    EvidenceAuthorities are currently scanning CCTV footage from the route to establish the exact sequence of events.

    Legal Status

    The 17-year-old accused remains in custody and is being processed under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences).

    • Interrogation: While the other four boys were not found to be directly involved in the assault, they are still being interrogated to determine if there were any lapses in reporting or other related offenses.
    • Victim Privacy: In accordance with Supreme Court directives, the identity of the minor survivor has been strictly withheld to protect her privacy.

    Sources

    • The Times of India: “17-year-old boy detained for raping minor in Aashiana” (April 8, 2026).
    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “Minor held for raping 13-year-old girl in Lucknow” (April 8, 2026).
    • News18 Uttar Pradesh: “Lucknow Police detain teen after locals alert 112 about Aashiana rape” (April 8, 2026).
  • Kanpur Police Bust Inter-State Cyber Fraud Racket; 19 Arrested

    KANPUR, UTTAR PRADESH (Wednesday, April 8, 2026) — The Uttar Pradesh Police have successfully dismantled a large inter-state cyber fraud operation, arresting 19 individuals during a high-stakes search operation in a village within the Revna area of Kanpur. The accused allegedly operated a sophisticated network that defrauded hundreds of citizens across multiple states by posing as facilitators for government welfare schemes.


    The Operation: “Village Lockdown”

    Following precise intelligence inputs, a joint team from the Cyber Crime Branch and the Special Operations Group (SOG) carried out a coordinated raid on Wednesday morning.

    • Strategic Cordons: To prevent any escapes, the police sealed all entry and exit points of the village before moving in.
    • Tense Standoff: The situation briefly grew tense as locals gathered at the raid sites. Additional police forces were deployed, and authorities used loudhailers to warn the suspects to surrender or face strict legal action.
    • The Arrests: Nineteen youths, primarily in their early 20s, were apprehended from various locations within the village.

    Modus Operandi: Exploiting Welfare Schemes

    Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal revealed that the gang utilized a professional setup to siphon money from unsuspecting victims.

    AspectInvestigation Findings
    Primary TacticPosing as government officials or facilitators to “process” welfare benefits.
    Financial ToolsExtensive use of mule bank accounts and forged documents to launder illicit funds.
    Inter-State LinksDigital evidence suggests the network had active connections in Delhi, Bihar, and Rajasthan.
    TargetsPrimarily low-income individuals and senior citizens looking to enroll in pension or housing schemes.

    Evidence Recovered

    During the search operation, the Cyber Cell seized a significant cache of digital and physical evidence:

    • Multiple mobile phones and hundreds of active SIM cards.
    • Forged documents including fake government approval letters.
    • Detailed lists of potential victims and their contact information.
    • Passbooks and ATM cards linked to various mule accounts used for routing stolen money.

    Next Steps and Investigation

    The 19 accused are currently being interrogated at the Cyber Crime Police Station. Commissioner Lal stated that the investigation is now focused on identifying the “masterminds” who provided the technical infrastructure and forged documents to these youths.

    1. Court Appearance: The arrested individuals will be produced before a local court on Thursday.
    2. Mule Account Trace: Teams are working with banking institutions to freeze the identified accounts and trace the final destination of the siphoned funds.
    3. Potential Link to Kidney Racket: Investigators are also verifying if this group has any connection to the recently unearthed “Kidney for Gaming Debt” syndicate in Kanpur, which also utilized mule accounts and Telegram groups for financial coercion.

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “UP Police busts cyber fraud racket in Kanpur; arrests 19 youths” (April 8, 2026).
    • Rediff News: “UP Police Dismantle Inter-State Cyber Fraud Ring, Arrest 19” (April 8, 2026).
    • Hindustan Times: “Kanpur cyber crime connection to local transplant syndicate under probe” (April 7, 2026).
    • Official Statement: Commissioner Raghubir Lal, Kanpur Police Commissionerate (April 8, 2026).
  • Thane Court Acquits 8 in 2016 Attempted Murder of Police Constable

    THANE (Wednesday, April 8, 2026) — A local court in Maharashtra’s Thane has acquitted eight men accused of the attempted murder of a police constable in 2016. In her judgment delivered on April 6, 2026, Additional Sessions Judge V. L. Bhosale granted the accused the benefit of the doubt, noting that the prosecution failed to establish their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.


    The Incident: Assault Outside an Upvan Bar

    The case dates back to April 21, 2016, and involved a violent altercation that left a law enforcement officer with life-threatening injuries.

    • The Victim: Constable Bhaskar Sonavane, who was at the location in the city’s Upvan area specifically to meet a confidential informant.
    • The Attack: Sonavane was brutally assaulted with wooden sticks and beer bottles outside a local bar. The assault resulted in a skull fracture and severe brain injuries, causing him to lose consciousness at the scene.
    • The Motive: The prosecution alleged the attack was a fallout of a dispute between the hotel management and a customer named Kamlesh. Kamlesh’s brother, Arun, reportedly led a group of 10 to 15 individuals to the site to retaliate.

    Judicial Reasoning for Acquittal

    The court highlighted several critical failures in the prosecution’s case that led to the acquittal of the eight defendants.

    FactorCourt Observation
    IdentificationThe victim himself could not identify any of the accused. He testified that the incident occurred at night and he lost consciousness immediately after the first blow to his head.
    Hostile WitnessesKey witnesses, including the hotel partner Rajesh Shetty and the manager Naveen Gouda (the original complainant), turned hostile during the trial.
    Lack of EvidenceThe court found no other corroborative evidence linking these specific eight individuals to the assault.

    “Having regard to all the evidence on record, I find that the prosecution has failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused persons charged in this case committed the offences,” Judge Bhosale stated in the final order.


    Legal Context

    The accused had been facing charges under Section 307 (Attempt to Murder) and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as the case was registered prior to the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “Thane court acquits 8 in attempted murder of policeman in 2016” (April 8, 2026).
    • The Week: “Thane court acquits 8 in attempted murder of policeman in 2016” (April 8, 2026).
    • Mid-Day: “Maharashtra: Thane court acquits eight accused of attempting to murder cop in 2016” (April 8, 2026).
  • Forest Guard Crushed to Death by Sand Mafia in Morena

    MORENA, MADHYA PRADESH (Wednesday, April 8, 2026) — A 35-year-old forest guard was brutally killed early Wednesday morning after being run over by a tractor-trolley allegedly operated by the illegal sand mining mafia. The incident took place near the Ranpur village intersection on National Highway 552, highlighting the escalating violence in the Chambal region’s battle against illegal mining.


    The Incident: A Fatal Confrontation

    The attack occurred between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM as a six-member patrol team from the Ambah forest range was conducting a raid following a tip-off about illegal sand transportation from the Aisah Ghat on the Chambal River.

    • The Victim: Harkesh Gurjar (also reported as Harikesh), a resident of Janakpur village in Morena who had recently been transferred to the Ambah range.
    • The Assault: As the patrol team spotted a tractor-trolley loaded with illegally mined sand, Gurjar stepped forward to intercept the vehicle.
    • The Act: Instead of stopping, the driver, identified by police as Vinod Kori, allegedly accelerated and deliberately ran over Gurjar.
    • Outcome: Gurjar died on the spot. The driver fled the scene with the vehicle, leaving the patrol team to transport their colleague’s body to the Morena district hospital.

    Investigation & Legal Action

    Senior officials, including Collector Lokesh Kumar Jangid and SP Sameer Saurabh, rushed to the site to oversee the investigation.

    Case DetailInformation
    Primary AccusedVinod Kori (Identified; currently absconding).
    LocationRanpur Tiraha, Dimni Police Station limits.
    ChargesMurder (Section 103 of the BNS) and relevant mining act violations.
    EvidencePolice are scanning CCTV footage from nearby points to track the vehicle’s escape route.

    Context: The “Chambal Conflict”

    This tragedy is part of a long-standing and violent struggle between state authorities and the “sand mafia” in the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary.

    1. Ecological Threat: Illegal mining destroys the sandbanks essential for the nesting of endangered gharials (fish-eating crocodiles).
    2. History of Violence: The region has a grim history of attacks on officials. Notably, in 2012, IPS officer Narendra Kumar was crushed to death in a similar manner, and in 2018, Deputy Ranger Subedar Singh Kushwah was also mowed down by a sand-laden tractor.
    3. Recent Escalation: Just last week, a forest team in the Son Gharial Sanctuary (Sidhi) was held hostage and assaulted by miners, signaling a coordinated emboldening of these illegal groups across the state.

    Sources

    • Hindustan Times: “Morena forest guard killed by sand mining mafia: Police” (April 8, 2026).
    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “MP: Forest guard crushed to death by vehicle belonging to sand mafia” (April 8, 2026).
    • NewsBytes: “Morena forest guard Harikesh Gurjar killed stopping illegal sand mining” (April 8, 2026).
    • The Assam Tribune: “Forest guard killed in Morena during sand mafia attack” (April 8, 2026).
  • Rampur Police Uncover insurance Murder Plot; Man Arrested for Killing Constable Wife and Son

    RAMPUR, UTTAR PRADESH (Tuesday, April 7, 2026) — In a chilling revelation, the Rampur Police have arrested a man and two accomplices for the premeditated murder of his wife—a serving police constable—and their three-year-old son. The suspects allegedly attempted to stage the crime as a fatal road accident to claim insurance payouts and service benefits totaling ₹2 crore.


    The Incident: A Staged “Accident”

    The crime took place on February 25, 2026, on the Swar-Bajpur road within the Kashipur area.

    • Initial Discovery: Passersby and local police discovered a burnt-out car on the roadside. It appeared that the vehicle had collided with a truck and subsequently caught fire, leading to the deaths of the occupants.
    • The Victims: * Constable [Name Redacted]: Posted in the UP Police.
      • Son (3): The couple’s minor child.
    • The Husband’s Claim: The primary accused, Akash Singh, initially told investigators that a truck had hit their car and the resulting fire trapped his wife and son inside while he was thrown clear.

    The Investigation: 300 CCTV Cameras and Forensic Gaps

    The Ganj Police became suspicious of the husband’s account due to inconsistencies in the forensic evidence at the crash site.

    • Digital Trail: Specialized teams scanned footage from over 300 CCTV cameras along the Swar-Bajpur route. The footage revealed that the car was being followed by a specific vehicle linked to the accomplices and showed the car being stopped and tampered with before the “accident” occurred.
    • Forensic Evidence: Investigators found that the fire had been accelerated using an external fuel source and that the impact with the “truck” (which was never found) did not match the damage profile of the burnt vehicle.
    • The Motive: Financial scrutiny revealed that the husband had recently insured his wife for a massive sum. By killing her, he stood to gain:
      1. ₹2 Crore in insurance claims.
      2. Compassionate Appointment (Job) in the UP Police.
      3. Service Benefits and pension funds.

    Arrests and Charges

    The Rampur Police arrested Akash Singh along with two of his associates who helped execute the plan.

    Case DetailInformation
    Primary AccusedAkash Singh (Husband).
    AccomplicesTwo associates (Identified as local residents).
    Legal ChargesSection 103 (Murder) and Section 61 (Criminal Conspiracy) of the BNS.
    StatusAll three suspects are in judicial custody.

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “Man, two accomplices held for killing wife, son for insurance money in UP’s Rampur” (April 7, 2026).
    • The Times of India: “Rampur: Constable’s husband arrested for staging car fire to kill wife, son” (April 7, 2026).
    • Hindustan Times: “UP Police solve ‘accident’ mystery; man killed constable wife for ₹2cr insurance” (April 7, 2026).
    • Official Statement: Superintendent of Police (SP), Rampur (April 7, 2026).
  • Inmate Dies by Suicide in Sultanpur District Jail

    SULTANPUR, UTTAR PRADESH (Tuesday, April 7, 2026) — An undertrial prisoner allegedly died by suicide in the early hours of Tuesday at the Sultanpur District Jail. The incident has prompted prison authorities to initiate a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of the 48-year-old inmate.


    The Incident: 1:30 AM Suicide

    According to jail officials, the incident was discovered during a routine check by the night wardens.

    • The Deceased: Nakchhed Kori (48), a resident of Charathai village in the Dhanpatganj area.
    • The Method: Kori allegedly used a plastic rope to hang himself inside the jail toilet.
    • Timeline: The incident is estimated to have occurred around 1:30 AM.

    Inmate Background

    Jailer Omkar Pandey confirmed that Kori had only been in custody for a short period before the incident.

    DetailInformation
    Incarceration DateMarch 25, 2026
    Legal StatusUndertrial prisoner
    Primary ChargesAttempt to Murder (under the BNS/IPC)
    Previous RecordLodged in jail following a recent local dispute in Dhanpatganj.

    Judicial and Administrative Response

    As per standard protocol for deaths in judicial custody, the jail administration has followed a series of legal steps:

    1. Post-Mortem: The body has been sent to the district hospital for a forensic examination to confirm the cause of death.
    2. Judicial Inquiry: A magisterial probe has been ordered to determine if there were any lapses in security or supervision by the jail staff.
    3. Family Notification: Kori’s relatives in Charathai village have been informed of the incident.

    Context: Safety Concerns in Sultanpur Jail

    This incident adds to a series of recent fatalities at the Sultanpur District Jail that have drawn scrutiny from human rights activists and local authorities.

    • January 2026: An undertrial named Shailendra Singh (41) died under suspicious circumstances; while officials cited a heart attack, the family alleged foul play.
    • September 2025: An inmate named Mohammad Subhan reportedly died by suicide following a quarrel with his wife during a prison visit.
    • Historical Context: In 2023, a high-profile case involving the deaths of two Dalit undertrials was later categorized by a judicial inquiry as “likely forceful hanging,” challenging the initial suicide claims made by prison staff.

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “UP: Inmate ends life in Sultanpur district jail” (April 7, 2026).
    • The Times of India: “Undertrial dies by suicide in Sultanpur prison” (April 7, 2026).
    • Rediff News: “Sultanpur Jail Inmate Allegedly Commits Suicide” (April 7, 2026).
    • Official Statement: Jailer Omkar Pandey, Sultanpur District Jail (April 7, 2026).
  • Five Relatives Booked for Assault on Woman and Newlywed in Bhadohi

    BHADOHI, UTTAR PRADESH (Tuesday, April 7, 2026) — Police in Bhadohi district have registered a criminal case against five members of a family for allegedly trespassing into a relative’s home and assaulting two women. The victims include a woman and her newlywed daughter-in-law, who were reportedly attacked during a violent confrontation in the Oonj area.


    The Incident: A Family Dispute Turns Violent

    The assault took place last Thursday evening at Meena Bazar, under the jurisdiction of the Oonj Police Station, but the formal First Information Report (FIR) was processed following a preliminary investigation.

    • The Attack: According to the complaint filed by Ramesh Chandra Bind, five of his relatives forcibly entered his residence.
    • The Victims:
      • Israwati Devi: Ramesh’s wife.
      • Pushpa: Ramesh’s newlywed daughter-in-law.
    • The Assailants: The police have named five members of a single family in the FIR:
      • Savitri (The matriarch)
      • Anuj (Savitri’s son)
      • Aradhana, Kanchan, and Aarti (Savitri’s daughters)

    [Image: Map of Bhadohi district highlighting the Oonj and Meena Bazar areas]


    Legal Action and Investigation

    The Oonj Police have booked the five accused under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following the medical examination of the victims.

    Case DetailInformation
    Primary ChargesCriminal Trespass (Section 329), Voluntarily Causing Hurt (Section 115), and Criminal Intimidation (Section 351).
    MotivePreliminary probe suggests an ongoing property or domestic dispute between the two related families.
    StatusFIR registered; police are currently recording statements from neighbors and witnesses in Meena Bazar.
    Medical StatusThe victims sustained minor injuries and are reported to be out of danger.

    Next Steps in the Probe

    The Station House Officer (SHO) of Oonj confirmed that teams have been dispatched to apprehend the accused, who have reportedly been absconding since the complaint was filed. Police are also looking into whether there were any previous complaints of harassment between these two families to determine if the attack was premeditated.


    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “Woman, daughter-in-law assaulted by relatives in UP’s Bhadohi; 5 booked” (April 7, 2026).
    • The Week: “UP: Five of family booked for assaulting woman, daughter-in-law” (April 7, 2026).
    • Local News: “Bhadohi Crime: Family feud leads to assault on newlywed in Meena Bazar” (April 7, 2026).
    • Official Statement: Bhadohi District Police Media Cell (April 7, 2026).
  • Labourer Arrested for Rape of Seven-Year-Old at Thane Construction Site

    THANE (Tuesday, April 7, 2026) — Police in Thane city have arrested a 45-year-old labourer for the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl at a construction site in the Naupada area. The accused, who worked alongside the victim’s parents, was apprehended within hours of the crime being reported on Monday evening.


    The Incident: Breach of Trust at the Workplace

    The survivor and her family reside at the construction site where both the parents and the accused were employed as daily-wage labourers.

    • The Crime: According to the police, the accused allegedly lured the minor to an isolated corner of the construction site on Monday evening while her parents were occupied with work.
    • Discovery: The incident came to light after the girl informed her mother about the assault. The parents immediately approached the local police station to file a complaint.
    • Rapid Response: Recognizing the gravity of the offense, a team from the Naupada Police Station launched a search operation and nabbed the 45-year-old suspect before he could flee the city.

    Legal Action and Charges

    The accused has been booked under stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the POCSO Act.

    Case DetailInformation
    Accused45-year-old male labourer.
    LocationConstruction site in Naupada, Thane.
    Primary ChargesSection 65 (Rape of a child under 12) of the BNS and relevant sections of the POCSO Act.
    Medical StatusThe minor has been shifted to a civil hospital for medical examination and specialized care.
    CustodyThe accused was produced before a local court and remanded to police custody for further interrogation.

    Safety Concerns at Construction Sites

    This incident has reignited concerns regarding the safety of children living at construction projects in urban areas.

    1. Lack of Supervision: Children of migrant labourers often play unsupervised in high-risk environments while parents are working.
    2. Vulnerability: The proximity of unrelated workers in temporary housing creates a significant safety risk for minors.
    3. Mandatory Crèches: Labour laws in India mandate the provision of crèches at construction sites employing a certain number of workers, a rule that is frequently flouted in smaller urban projects.

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “Labourer held for raping 7-year-old girl at construction site in Thane” (April 7, 2026).
    • The Times of India: “Thane: 45-year-old worker held for raping minor at Naupada site” (April 7, 2026).
    • Hindustan Times: “Minor daughter of labourers raped in Thane; accused arrested” (April 7, 2026).
    • Official Statement: Public Relations Officer, Thane City Police (April 7, 2026).
  • Two Men Killed in Head-On Collision Near Bitroi Railway Crossing

    BUDAUN, UTTAR PRADESH (Tuesday, April 7, 2026) — A tragic road accident on the Budaun-Agra road claimed the lives of two young men late Monday night. The victims were traveling by motorcycle when they were struck head-on by a speeding car near the Bitroi railway crossing, under the jurisdiction of the Mujaria Police Station.


    The Incident: A Late-Night Tragedy

    The collision occurred around 11:30 PM on Monday as the victims were returning from a solemn family obligation.

    • The Victims: * Akash (20): A local resident of the Mujaria area in Budaun.
      • Sumit (21): Akash’s brother-in-law, hailing from the neighboring Sambhal district.
    • The Circumstances: The duo was returning home after attending the funeral rites of a relative at the Kachhla Ganga Ghat.
    • The Crash: Reports indicate a fast-moving car traveling in the opposite direction lost control and rammed into the motorcycle. The impact was so severe that both men reportedly died on the spot.

    Investigation and Legal Action

    The Mujaria Police arrived at the scene shortly after the crash and have initiated a search for the driver of the offending vehicle.

    Case DetailInformation
    LocationBudaun-Agra Road, near Bitroi Railway Crossing.
    Offending VehicleUnidentified speeding car (Driver fled the scene).
    Status of VictimsBodies sent for post-mortem examination.
    Legal ChargesFIR being registered under sections for Causing Death by Negligence (Section 106 of the BNS).

    Search for the Accused

    Police officials confirmed that the car driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene immediately after the accident. Teams are currently:

    1. Scanning CCTV footage from nearby toll plazas and the railway crossing.
    2. Tracing the vehicle’s registration number to identify the owner.
    3. Questioning potential witnesses who may have seen the vehicle’s movement prior to the crash.

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “Two killed as speeding car hits motorcycle in UP’s Budaun” (April 7, 2026).
    • The Week: “UP: Two cousins killed in road accident in Budaun” (April 7, 2026).
    • Local News Report: “Budaun-Agra road accident: Two youths die returning from Kachhla Ghat” (April 7, 2026).
    • Official Statement: SHO, Mujaria Police Station (April 7, 2026).