Nitish Katara Murder Convict Sukhdev Pehalwan Dies in Fatal Crash After Recent Prison Release

Lucknow:

Sukhdev Pehalwan, a convicted individual in the Nitish Katara murder case, has lost his life in a tragic accident in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar district. This incident occurred just months after his release from prison, where he had completed a 20-year sentence.

The fatal accident took place in the Turkpatti area on Tuesday when a car collided with Pehalwan's two-wheeler. The crash also claimed another person's life.

Pehalwan, who resided in Taruwanwa village, was traveling on his two-wheeler with two passengers when they experienced a head-on collision with an SUV, believed to be a Mahindra Scorpio. The impact caused all three individuals to be thrown from the vehicle.

Despite being rushed to the hospital, Pehalwan was pronounced dead upon arrival. The other two individuals involved are currently receiving medical treatment.

According to reports, law enforcement has impounded the car and is actively searching for the driver responsible for the accident.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Nitish Katara Murder Case

Pehalwan was one of the individuals convicted in the notorious Nitish Katara murder case, a shocking honor killing that deeply disturbed the nation.

Katara was killed on the night spanning February 16-17, 2002, in Ghaziabad. The murder was reportedly motivated by his relationship with Bharti Yadav, daughter of DP Yadav, an influential politician and liquor businessman from western Uttar Pradesh. In addition to Pehalwan, Yadav's son Vikas Yadav and nephew Vishal Yadav were also found guilty in this case.

In 2016, the Supreme Court sentenced the Yadav cousins to 25 years in prison. Pehalwan, who acted as their accomplice, received a 20-year sentence. He completed his prison term in March 2024, though his release faced delays due to technical complications.

Following intervention by the Supreme Court, he was released from Delhi's Tihar Jail several months ago.