Gurugram Live-In Couple Murders Colleague Over Unwanted Advances Toward Partner

On October 7, the victim's brother-in-law reported him missing after he failed to return home.

Gurugram police have apprehended a couple living together for allegedly murdering a 40-year-old employee of a private company, officials announced on Friday.

Police investigations revealed that the primary suspect, who worked under the victim at the same company, allegedly planned the murder after becoming enraged by the victim's persistent attempts to befriend his live-in partner.

The deceased, Sonpal, originally from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, was renting accommodation in Khoh village, Gurugram, while employed at a private company in Industrial Model Township (IMT), Manesar.

Authorities recovered the body on Thursday from the Kosi Kalan area near Mathura after the main accused disclosed its location. The suspects were identified as Kushalpal Singh, also known as Kaushal (26), from Kaimthal village in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda district, and his 19-year-old live-in partner Bhavna, from Prahladpur village in Kasganj. The couple had been residing together in IMT Manesar's Sector 1.

The missing person report filed on October 7 stated that Sonpal had left for work at 9 am on October 4. He had messaged his sister that he would return around 4:30 pm, after which they planned to travel to Mathura. However, he never came home, and his phone was switched off.

Following initial investigations, police suspected homicide and arrested Kushalpal from Pachgaon on Thursday, followed by Bhawna's arrest from Manesar on Friday.

During interrogation, the accused confessed that Sonpal had repeatedly asked Kushalpal if he could befriend Bhawna, which infuriated them and led to their plot to kill him.

On October 4, the couple took Sonpal to Mathura on a motorcycle that Kushalpal had stolen from Panchgaon in July. Upon reaching Kosi Kalan near Mathura via the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway, they struck Sonpal's head with a helmet.

Kushalpal then fatally stabbed Sonpal over seven times in the neck before the couple fled, abandoning the body at the scene, according to police reports.

Police have seized evidence including a knife, helmet, motorcycle, and the victim's ID card and bag from the accused. The investigation continues as authorities further interrogate the couple.