Udaipur: Police Thursday arrested five people for allegedly murdering an elderly couple during a robbery and hiding their bodies in an iron trunk at their home in Punawali village under Sayra police station.The accused have been identified as mastermind Kushal (26), the couple’s neighbour, and Chandan Yadav (27), Dilip Chaudhary (30), Kishan Paliwal (21) and Jeevan Paliwal (21).Dhuliram reported on Aug 12 that his elder brother, Lahrilal Paliwal (70), and sister-in-law, Radhabai (67), were missing. Their house was open and their mobile phones were switched off. Police registered a missing persons case.The couple’s bodies were found on Aug 14, packed in plastic bags inside a large iron trunk at their home, with bedding placed on top. Forensic, cyber, dog squad and district special teams assisted the investigation.Police said Kushal knew that Lahrilal lent money on interest and that the couple lived alone. Facing debt and financial pressure, he allegedly began planning the robbery about one-and-a-half years ago and involved Chandan, Vikas and Dilip, who lived in Gujarat.According to SP Amrita Duhan, the accused repeatedly surveyed the house and the couple’s routine. Kishan and Jeevan allegedly helped gather information about access to the house and the couple’s movements.Police said the accused arrived in a Gujarat-registered car on Aug 9 and conducted reconnaissance. Kushal and Chandan entered the house on Aug 10, when Radhabai served them food, but found no opportunity to commit the crime. They returned the next day but found the door closed.Kishan and Jeevan later allegedly visited the house on a pretext and helped Kushal enter and hide inside. After the couple went to sleep, four accused allegedly attacked and killed Lahrilal and Radhabai before taking cash and jewellery.A police team has been sent to Gujarat to trace Vikas. Investigators are questioning the arrested accused about the stolen property, weapons or other material allegedly used in the crime, and further evidence.
