Uttar Pradesh recorded 3,218 murder cases in 2024, the highest absolute number among states and Union Territories, according to NCRB data.
Now, a case in Baghpat has taken a disturbing turn.
Two friends went missing from Lahchaura village on 25 July. Nearly three weeks later, police were led to a temple in the same village.
What they found there raised questions about what had happened to the two men.
How Did It Begin
According to police, Ankit and Israr were close friends and lived opposite each other.
Ankit was unemployed and the only brother among five sisters. Israr worked as a labourer and supported his wife and three children.
The two men left home together on a motorcycle on 25 July.
They did not return.
Their phones were switched off from the evening of 27 July, raising concerns among their families.
A missing-person case was registered at Chandinagar police station on 29 July.
Police then began examining call records, mobile locations and other evidence to establish where the two men had gone.
The Trail Led To A Temple
The investigation eventually took police to a temple in Lahchaura village.
According to Baghpat Superintendent of Police Suraj Kumar Rai, investigators gathered information from two people detained during the probe. This led them to suspect that the missing men had been buried on the premises of Mahant Naresh Nath.
Police excavated the area and recovered the bodies on 12 August.
The bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition. Police identified them through their clothes and belongings before sending them for post-mortem examination.
A forensic team also visited the site and collected evidence.
Why Did Police Suspect The Temple Mahant?
Police are investigating a possible confrontation between the two friends and Naresh Nath.
According to the police theory, Ankit and Israr had allegedly confronted Nath over his relationship with Ankit's sister.
Investigators suspect that the confrontation escalated and that the two men were killed before their bodies were allegedly buried behind the temple.
However, this remains an investigative theory. Police have not publicly established the complete sequence of events or a final motive.
Who Is The Main Accused?
Police have identified Naresh Nath, the temple's mahant, as the main accused.
He is currently absconding.
Two other people have been detained for questioning in connection with the case. Police are examining the information provided by them and their possible role in what happened.
At this stage, the two detained individuals should not be described as convicted or confirmed accomplices. Their roles are still being investigated.
What Is The Police Action So Far?
The investigation began as a missing-person case before turning into an alleged double-murder investigation.
Police formed a team after the missing-person complaint was filed.
Investigators examined technical evidence, including call records and mobile locations, and followed the men's last known movements.
After receiving information from detained individuals and examining evidence, police searched the mahant's premises.
The bodies were recovered, forensic evidence was collected and post-mortem examinations were ordered.
Police are now trying to establish exactly how the two men died and who was involved.
TL;DR | News At Glance
What happened?
Two friends, Ankit and Israr, went missing from Baghpat on 25 July. Their bodies were found buried behind a temple on 12 August.
Why did it allegedly happen?
Police suspect the two men had confronted temple mahant Naresh Nath over his alleged relationship with Ankit's sister. The exact motive is still under investigation.
Who is accused?
Police have named Naresh Nath as the main accused. He is currently absconding.
What has the police done?
Police recovered the bodies, conducted a forensic examination and sent them for post-mortem. Two people have also been detained for questioning.
What happens next?
Police are investigating the exact sequence of events, the cause of death and the roles of those involved.
