Rohtak murders: Kin opposed son’s affair

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, September 2

Police investigation into the murders of Rohtak-based property dealer Pradeep, his wife Babli, daughter Tamanna alias Neha and mother-in-law Roshni has revealed that opposing the homosexual relationship of Pradeep’s son Abhishek by the family had led to the murders.

Sources in the Police Department said Abhishek, who was pursuing a cabin-crew course from Delhi, was in a homosexual relationship with one of his classmates.

“This was unacceptable to Abhishek’s parents who wanted him to discontinue his relationship. On the other hand, Abhishek was adamant on continuing the relationship and wanted to live with his companion. He demanded money from his parents, but they refused. Eventually, he shot his parents, sister and maternal grandmother,” said a senior police officer.

Sources said Abhishek has the name of his companion tattooed on his chest. Rohtak SP Rahul Sharma conceded that the accused was in a relationship with another boy and it was the major bone of contention between Abhishek and his family members.

“As per our investigation, it was the most probable reason behind the murders,” he stated. Abhishek’s companion had come to Rohtak to meet him before the murders took place. He was staying at a hotel where Abhishek had met him before as well as after the murders.

The murders took place on August 27 and Abhishek was arrested on August 31. He was produced before a court on Wednesday and remanded in police custody for five days. “The scene of the crime was reconstructed and efforts are on to recover the murder weapon,” said a police officer.

Sources pointed out that Abhishek’s deceased father owned a pistol, which is likely to be the murder weapon. “After having shot his parents, Abhishek went to meet his friend at the hotel. Then he returned home and acted shocked and devastated on seeing the bodies lying in a pool of blood,” said sources.