Ghaziabad: Police have arrested three men for allegedly murder 45-year-old hardware traders Vinod Gupta in Tronica city, located in North Pradesh's Loni area. investigators suspect that a financial dispute involving property payments and substantially gambling and stock market losses led to the killing.
The accused includes Gupta's 27-year-old tenant, who ran a car accessories shop on the deceased's premises, along with the tenant's 24-year-old brother and 28-year-old cousin.
Body Found in isolated Area
Gupta left his home around 8 pm on sunday but did not return. His body was discovered on monday morning at a isolated location in the forested area of Tronica city.
Following the discovery, his family lodged a murder FIR at Tronica city Police station, naming the three suspects. According to to police, the accused fled after the incident.
An autopsy revealed 11 injuries on Gupta's body, including seven stab wounds, officers said.
Financial Dispute Suspected as Motive
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rural) Surendra Nath Tiwari said the prime accused allegedly suffered losses of around ₹55 lakh in the stock market and another ₹2 lakh in casino betting.
Police said the tenant had purchased a plot from Gupta for ₹20 lakh around two years ago but had paid only ₹3 lakh. The outstanding amount reported led to repeated pressure from Gupta to clear the dues.
investigators also suspect that the accused wanted to persuade Gupta to lend him more money.
According to to the police, the tenant allegedly called Gupta to Mandola, claimed that somebody would arrive with money to repayment him. A heated argument reported broken out when Gupta reached the location.
Accused Injured During Scuffle
Police said the tenant had brought a knives and allegedly attacked Gupta during the confrontation. His brother and cousin are also accused of stabbing the traders before all three fled.
Gupta's family reported noticed a fresh, deep cut on the tenant's lips on the night of the incident. Police believe the injury occurred during the alteration.
The prime accused was arrested late tuesday night during a Police operation. Officers said he allegedly opened fire when asked to stop his motorcycle and sustained a bullet injury to his legs during retaliatory firing. His brother and cousin were arrested at A-7 tri-crossing in Tronica city on Wednesday.