Ludhiana: A youth was found dead inside a room at a village crematorium near Jodhan, with a plastic bag allegedly stuffed in his mouth, leading police to arrest his friend on a murder charge.The deceased, Karanveer Singh alias Gopi of Mandi Latala village, had left home around 7pm on Nov 10 on his Activa scooter to buy household items but did not return.Police said his family searched for him at several places, including Dana Mandi Latala, before approaching his friend Gurkirat Singh alias Ravi to ask about his whereabouts. Gurkirat reportedly told them he did not know where Karanveer was and joined the family in the search.While heading towards Mandi Ahmedgarh, the family checked the village crematorium and found Karanveer lying face down inside an open room. When they turned him over, they allegedly found a white plastic bag stuffed in his mouth. A wooden stick was also lying nearby.The family rushed Karanveer to a doctor, who declared him dead.In his complaint, Karanveer’s father alleged that Gurkirat suspected his son of being in contact with his sister and that this had led to a dispute between the two. He alleged that Gurkirat, along with his associates, had beaten his son to death or got him killed.Police registered a murder case on the basis of the complaint and launched an investigation.Chappar police post in-charge ASI Jaspal Singh said Gurkirat was arrested from the village Wednesday evening. He was produced before a court, which sent him to three-day police remand.Police said the victim and the accused belonged to the same village.
