Jaipur: A long-simmering grudge spanning 15 years culminated in the brutal murder of a 38-year-old man in Karauli, with police arresting the main accused within 24 hours of recovering the mutilated body.The accused, Lokesh Meena, was arrested Monday, a day after the body of Lakhan Singh Meena was found near Longatpur Road. Lakhan had been reported missing before his body was recovered from a secluded area Sunday. During interrogation, police uncovered a deeply rooted personal feud as the motive behind the crime.According to police, the enmity dates back to an incident in Hindaun nearly 15 years ago, when Lakhan Singh was involved in a truck accident that led to the death of Lokesh’s father, Jaisiram. Though the incident was officially termed accidental, Lokesh allegedly held Lakhan responsible and harboured resentment since childhood.Superintendent of Police Lokesh Sonwal said, “The accused had been waiting for an opportunity to avenge his father’s death. On May 2, Lokesh and his associates allegedly lured Lakhan to a deserted hill near Anjani Mata Temple on the pretext of a liquor party.During the drinking session, an argument broke out, escalating into violence. Police said Lokesh allegedly struck Lakhan on the head with a beer bottle. As the victim tried to flee, he was chased, overpowered and killed by repeated blows with stones.The crime surfaced after Lakhan’s family lodged a missing complaint at Karauli Sadar police station. Investigators traced his last location and recovered the body, with broken beer bottles and bloodstains at the scene helping reconstruct the crime scene.Police are searching for other accused, including Arvind, Jaisingh and Dhir Singh, who are absconding. Further investigation is underway.
