In a shocking incident highlighting cross-border security concerns, a constable serving with Nepal's Armed Police Force (APF) was found murdered, with his body discovered in a forest on the Indian side of the border in Uttar Pradesh.
Body Discovered in Bahraich Forest
The grim discovery was made late on Saturday near Balai village, under the jurisdiction of the Motipur police station in Bahraich district. Local villagers alerted the police after finding the body lying in the forest area.
Police officials rushed to the spot and recovered documents near the deceased, which were crucial in establishing his identity. The victim was identified as Khem Bahadur Sonar, aged 38. He was a resident of Khajura rural municipality in Nepal's Banke district and was posted with the APF in Kathmandu.
A Fatal Walk and a Suspicious Disappearance
According to details gathered from his family members, Sonar had returned to his home in Nepal just two days prior after availing a 10-day leave. On Thursday, he left his house with a few friends, stating he was going for a walk in the border area. However, he failed to return by evening, prompting his worried relatives to initiate a search.
His father-in-law, Heeralal, later arrived at the Motipur police station and formally identified the body.
Signs of a Brutal Murder and Cross-Border Probe
Station House Officer Anand Chaurasia stated that a preliminary examination of the body revealed multiple injury marks along with burn injuries. This indicated that Sonar was murdered before his body was dumped in the isolated forest.
The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause and circumstances of death.
Police have launched an investigation from multiple angles, with the strong possibility of a cross-border crime being a primary line of inquiry. Authorities confirmed that the Nepal Police would be formally informed about the incident. Coordination between Indian and Nepali agencies is expected as the probe progresses to unravel the motive and apprehend the culprits involved in this transboundary homicide.
