Jammu, May 8: In a shocking case that has stunned residents of 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 accused has been identified as Parth Verma alias Sumit, who allegedly killed 18-year-old Nakul Singh inside his home in broad daylight on May 6 in Ward No. 10 near the Rajbagh area of Kathua.
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The incident came to light after Nakul was found lying in a pool of blood inside the house, while his younger brother, 16-year-old Nikhil Singh, was critically injured in the attack.
According to police, the accused had visited Nakul’s house around 11:40 am on the day of the incident. Investigators said an argument broke out between the two friends over a girl, which soon turned violent.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kathua Mohita Sharma said the accused allegedly attacked Nakul with a cricket bat during the altercation, causing fatal injuries.
Police further said that when Nakul’s younger brother entered the house during the attack, the accused allegedly assaulted him as well in an attempt to eliminate a witness before fleeing from the spot with the victim’s mobile phone.
The injured teenager was shifted to AIIMS Jammu, where he remains on ventilator support, officials said.
SSP Sharma said the case was solved using technical surveillance and by tracing the missing mobile phone of the deceased. The accused later confessed during interrogation, while the stolen phone and the blood-stained cricket bat were recovered during the investigation.
The brutal killing has sent shockwaves across Kathua, with locals expressing grief and disbelief over the murder of a young boy allegedly at the hands of his own friend.
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Police said further investigation is underway, and strict action will be ensured in the case. (KNO)
