NEW DELHI: The murder of Gaurav Singhal, the 29-year-old fitness gym owner, just a day before his marriage allegedly by his father was not in a fit of rage, but a pre-planned act, a police officer said on Friday.
Ranglal Singhal (54), Gaurav’s father, who went incommunicado after the incident, was arrested late on Thursday from Jaipur.
DCP (south) Ankit Chauhan said Ranglal was angry with his son’s extravagant lifestyle and disobedience. “During the interrogation, Ranglal revealed that during the arguments, his wife always supported Gaurav, which increased his frustration,” the DCP said.
“He had been planning to kill his son for the past three or four months and ultimately carried out the plan with three accomplices just one day before his marriage,” the officer said.
According to the DCP, the accused paid Rs 75,000 to the three hired hitmen to commit the crime, promising a total payout of Rs 1,50,000. “Ranglal deliberately chose a time between 10.30-11 pm so that the noise, due to pre-wedding celebrations would help in committing the crime secretly.”
On Wednesday night, the DCP said Ranglal engaged in a verbal spat with his son, which soon escalated. “He stabbed Gaurav in the neck with a scissor. As the victim fell down, the three hired killers continued their stabbing spree with scissors, a knife, and an iron rod till the entire floor of the room was blood-soaked.
After the act, the accused fled the city with cash and jewellery,” he said.
“The accomplices, aged around 22-25 years, are residents of the same locality,” the DCP said, adding they are still at large.