Missing farmer found murdered; wife, stepson among suspects

Agra: Police have solved the alleged murder of a 35-year-old farmer from Sikhera village in Muzaffarnagar who had been missing since May 18, arresting one accused and naming the victim's wife and stepson among the suspects.

Vikas alias Rocky's wife, Renu (42), and stepson, Badal (25), are suspected of involvement in the conspiracy and execution of the crime, police said. Both are absconding, and teams have been deployed to trace them. Preliminary probes suggest that a family dispute between Vikas and Badal may have been the motive behind his abduction and murder.

The case came to light after accused Badal's associate, Monty Tyagi, was arrested following a brief encounter with police late Monday night. A country-made pistol was allegedly seized from him.

During questioning, Tyagi disclosed details of the crime and led police to the burial site. Police said the accused severed Vikas's head and disposed of the remains at separate locations to conceal evidence.

As per the investigators, the headless torso was buried in a field near Kadipur village under Bhopa police station limits, while the severed head was allegedly thrown into the Chittora canal. A large quantity of salt was also recovered from the burial site, indicating an attempt to accelerate decomposition.

DSP (New Mandi) Raju Kumar said a case was registered after a complaint by the victim's father, Madan Singh. "Five teams were formed to trace him. During interrogation, the arrested accused admitted to his role in the abduction and murder," he said.

Vikas's brother, Mukul Kumar, said that he had been missing after leaving home with his wife. He alleged that Renu gave misleading information about his whereabouts before cutting off contact with the family.