RANCHI (February 23, 2026) — Police in Ranchi have arrested five individuals, including a married couple, in connection with the murder of a 30-year-old man whose body was recovered from a well last week. The victim, identified as Asif Ansari, a resident of Raja Colony in Kantatoli, was found on Thursday in the Gadigaon area. Subsequent investigations have revealed a pre-planned conspiracy allegedly motivated by a long-standing personal dispute.
Autopsy Revisions and Cause of Death
Initial physical examinations of the body suggested that Ansari had been killed by being crushed with stones. However, a formal autopsy report has since clarified that the victim was first shot dead before the attackers attempted to obscure the cause of death by using heavy stones.
DSP Sadar Sanjeev Besra stated on Monday, “Initial investigation revealed that the victim was killed by crushing him with stones, but the autopsy report revealed that Ansari was first shot dead with a bullet before being crushed with stones.”
Alleged Conspiracy and Financial Details
The police investigation has linked the murder to a relationship Ansari allegedly maintained with a woman for approximately 15 years. According to the authorities, the woman’s husband, identified as 35-year-old Johnson Minj, orchestrated the killing alongside his associate, 36-year-old Deepak Agarwal.
The DSP noted that Minj allegedly paid a total of 8 lakh rupees to various parties to carry out the crime:
- Deepak Agarwal: Received 4 lakh rupees to coordinate the plot.
- Prince Kumar (22): Paid 1.60 lakh rupees for his involvement.
- Prem Lakra (44): Paid 2.40 lakh rupees for his role in the execution.
Arrests and Seizures
Following the interrogation and subsequent confessions, all five suspects, including the couple, were sent to judicial custody on Sunday. During the operation, the Ranchi police seized several items of evidence, including:
- A country-made pistol.
- Two motorcycles used in the commission of the crime.
- Blood-stained clothing and mobile handsets.
The Khelgaon police, who led the recovery of the body from the well on Thursday, are continuing their inquiries to ensure all aspects of the conspiracy are documented for the upcoming trial.
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