35-year-old man arrested in Pithoragarh for alleged murder of live-in partner

Pithoragarh police have arrested a 35-year-old man for the alleged murder of his live-in partner in the Dharchula area. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the incident came to light on Friday morning when police received information that a woman's body was found near the Khotila bridge in Dharchula.

The deceased was identified as 35-year-old Meenu Lohari. Police stated that clear marks of injury were seen on the body. Dharchula police station in-charge Ambi Ram stated that the investigation revealed the victim had separated from her husband Mohan Ram about three years ago, and after parting ways with this resident of Nepal, she was living with the accused Devraj Nabiyal in Khotila.

After receiving information about the incident, a forensic team inspected the crime scene as well as Nabiyal's residence, where blood stains were found on the bed and floor. Police received a complaint from the victim's son and on Friday registered a First Information Report against the accused under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which is murder, and Section 238(1) for causing disappearance of evidence, and initiated legal proceedings.

Based on technical and manual intelligence, a police team arrested the accused on Friday night near the SSB camp on the banks of the Kali river. During police interrogation, the accused confessed to the murder and admitted that despite living with her for the last three years, he used to suspect the woman's character.

According to the police, based on the revelations made by the accused during interrogation, police have also recovered a wooden stick allegedly used in the crime, besides a blood-stained shirt, shoes, and a mobile phone.