Patna: The body of a young man who had been missing for three days was recovered from the Ganges in Patna City on Wednesday, intensifying suspicions of murder and leading police to detain three of his friends for questioning.
The incident took place in the Khajekala police station area, where the body of Pankaj Kumar was found near Tedi Ghat after an intensive search operation that lasted nearly 48 hours. The recovery followed sustained efforts by the police with the assistance of local boatmen.
According to Pankaj’s father, Vijay Rai, his son went missing on the night of January 12, after receiving a phone call from his friends around 8 pm. Pankaj left home soon afterwards and did not return. The family alleges that the friends lured him out, murdered him with a sharp weapon, and disposed of his body in the river to destroy evidence.
Police said that initial questioning of the three friends produced crucial leads, which prompted the launch of a focused search in the Ganges. The subsequent recovery of the body has strengthened the case for a criminal investigation.
“The case has been registered based on the family’s complaint, and we are conducting a thorough inquiry,” said Vidyanand Verma, the officer in charge of Khajekala police station. “All three suspects are currently in custody and are being interrogated. The motive behind the crime will become clearer as the investigation progresses.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through Patna City, where residents expressed alarm and concern over the circumstances surrounding the death. Police have stepped up their presence in the area to prevent any escalation of tension and to reassure the public.
Officials said further forensic examinations and statements from witnesses would be crucial in establishing the sequence of events and confirming responsibility for the killing.
