PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
The Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a man on Monday carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 for his alleged involvement in the 2024 murder of a 73-year-old Mahant at an Ashram in Haridwar. The accused, Pradeep was arrested in Chandigarh after remaining absconding for a long time, the STF said on Monday.
The murder took place at Shraddha Bhakti Ashram in the Kankhal area of Haridwar in 2024. The victim, Mahant Govind Das, was also known as Guruji. His disciple, Vishambhar Das, was around 73 years old, according to the STF superintendent of police Ajai Singh.
Singh said that its team traced Pradeep through intelligence inputs, surveillance and field level investigation. He was reportedly working as a goods delivery driver in Punjab using a small commercial vehicle.
Six accused were identified in connection with the case. Four had already been arrested by the Haridwar police, while another accused, Saurabh alias Neetu, was arrested by the STF in Baghpat on September 20. Pradeep was the remaining accused who had been absconding.
The case was registered at Kankhal police station under Sections 302, 201, 120B and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. Proceedings to attach the property of the wanted accused had also been initiated, and a reward of Rs 50,000 was announced for Pradeep’s arrest.
