In a shocking case that has stunned Kathua, police have arrested a 19-year-old youth for allegedly murdering his close friend with a cricket bat over a suspected love rivalry. The brutal daylight killing has sparked outrage across Jammu and Kashmir after details of the crime surfaced during the investigation.
The accused, identified as Parth Verma alias Sumit, is accused of killing 18-year-old Nakul Singh inside his residence in Ward No. 10 near Rajbagh on May 6. Police said Nakul was found lying in a pool of blood, while his 16-year-old younger brother, Nikhil Singh, suffered critical injuries during the attack.
According to police officials, the murder was allegedly triggered by jealousy and a personal dispute involving a girl. Investigators revealed that the accused had visited Nakul’s house around 11:40 AM and even used the victim’s mobile phone to call another friend shortly before the violence erupted.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kathua, Mohita Sharma, said the case was cracked using technical surveillance and digital tracking of the victim’s missing iPhone.
“Multiple police teams were formed after the FIR was registered. Technical evidence and sustained questioning led to the accused confessing to the crime. The stolen mobile phone was later recovered on his disclosure in the presence of a magistrate,” the SSP said.
Police said a heated argument between the two friends quickly escalated into a violent fight. In a fit of rage, the accused allegedly picked up a cricket bat lying inside the room and repeatedly struck Nakul Singh on the head, killing him on the spot.
Investigators further revealed that when Nakul’s younger brother Nikhil entered the house during the assault, the accused allegedly attacked him as well in an attempt to eliminate an eyewitness.
After the attack, the accused reportedly fled from the scene carrying the victim’s mobile phone while leaving behind the blood-stained cricket bat, which has now been recovered by police. Forensic teams have collected crucial evidence from the crime scene.
Meanwhile, Nikhil Singh remains in critical condition and is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Jammu, where he is said to be on ventilator support.
Police officials said the investigation is ongoing and authorities are working to ensure strict legal action against the accused. “Justice will only be complete through conviction,” SSP Mohita Sharma said.
Leave a Reply