In a shocking incident, a 20-year-old furniture artisan was found murdered in a sugarcane field near Roorkee in the Gangnahar police station area. The deceased, identified as Ashu, son of Israr and resident of Rampur, had been missing since the previous evening. His throat was slit, and his body was discovered near a petrol pump adjacent to the field on Monday evening.
Our correspondent reports that Ashu had returned home from Dehradun, where he worked as a furniture craftsman, on Sunday evening. After spending time with his family, he went out and did not return. When he failed to respond to calls, his family began searching for him and later approached the police. His body was recovered around 6 pm, sending shockwaves across the locality.
Senior police officials reached the scene soon after the discovery. The area was cordoned off, and forensic teams were called to collect evidence. The police confirmed that Ashu’s throat had been slit with a sharp weapon, indicating a case of murder. The body was sent for post-mortem examination, and a case under relevant sections of homicide has been registered against unidentified persons.
Our correspondent adds that the incident has sparked tension in the community, with locals demanding swift action. The Gangnahar police have begun a detailed investigation and are analysing CCTV footage from nearby roads and establishments. The police are also tracking Ashu’s mobile phone records to determine his last known location and the people he interacted with before his death.
According to family members, Ashu had no known enmity or disputes. They described him as a calm and hardworking individual, dedicated to his craft. He had recently moved to Dehradun for better employment opportunities and had returned home briefly before the tragedy occurred. His sudden death has left the family devastated.
Our correspondent reports that the Superintendent of Police (Rural), Shekhar Chand Suyal, has formed a special team to expedite the investigation. He stated that the case would be solved at the earliest and that no angle would be overlooked. The team has been tasked with verifying potential motives, including personal rivalry, theft, or professional disputes.
Security arrangements in the area have also been intensified following the incident. Police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order, and patrols around sugarcane fields have been increased. The authorities are urging local residents to report any suspicious activity immediately to help the investigation.
Our correspondent adds that the locality around the sugarcane field is sparsely populated, and such areas are often used as hideouts for criminal activities. Locals reported hearing the sound of a vehicle near the field late Sunday night, though no one could identify it clearly. The police are appealing for witnesses to come forward, assuring complete confidentiality and protection.
Forensic teams are examining evidence collected from the site, including footprints, tyre marks, and blood samples. Investigators believe that the murder may have been committed elsewhere and the body dumped in the field later. A team from the crime branch is assisting in reconstructing the sequence of events using technical data and forensic inputs.
Our correspondent adds that the Roorkee rural police have also reached out to nearby districts for any related crime reports. Coordination with Dehradun police has been established to check whether the incident has links to Ashu’s workplace or acquaintances there.
The tragic death of the young artisan has drawn attention to rising cases of violent crime in rural areas around Roorkee. Community leaders have urged the administration to enhance lighting and surveillance around agricultural zones, which often remain poorly monitored after dark.
Officials assured that every effort is being made to bring the culprits to justice. The Gangnahar police have vowed to track down those responsible and ensure that such crimes do not go unpunished.
