What began as a missing persons search in a quiet Moradabad village has ended in the discovery of a brutal double murder that police say was driven by opposition to an interfaith relationship.

Arman, 27, and Kajal, a young student who also taught at a private school, were found dead days after they disappeared from their homes in Umri Sabzipur village. Investigators say the woman’s brothers killed the couple and buried their bodies in a secluded area near a temple to conceal the crime.

Arman had recently returned to Moradabad after spending four years working in Saudi Arabia. According to his family, he went missing first. When he failed to return home, his father approached the police and filed a missing person complaint. During the inquiry, officers realised that Kajal was also untraceable.

As suspicion grew, police questioned Kajal’s family members. During interrogation, her brothers allegedly admitted to murdering both Kajal and Arman after learning about their relationship, which they disapproved of because the two belonged to different religious communities.

Satpal Antil, Senior Superintendent of Police, Moradabad, said, “During the investigation, we found that the woman’s brothers killed them. When the brothers confessed, we recovered the bodies. The spade used in the murders was also recovered.”

Bodies Buried in a Pit

Following the confession, multiple police teams were deployed to an area near the Gagan River, behind the Neem Karauli Baba Temple. After hours of excavation carried out in the presence of a magistrate, the bodies were exhumed from a pit and sent for post-mortem examination.

Police allege that the victims were tied before being attacked with a shovel. To erase evidence, the bodies were transported out of the village and buried.

Moradabad Superintendent of Police (Crime) Subhash Chandra Gangwar said, “A missing person report was filed by Arman’s family on Wednesday morning. In the evening, his father filed an FIR against three people for murder. A heavy police force has been deployed at the village.”

Two of Kajal’s brothers have been arrested, while a case of murder has been registered against all three. Authorities said security has been tightened in the village to prevent any communal tension following the incident.

Satpal Antil said, “Three brothers of Kajal have murdered the duo with a shovel, which has been recovered. Two of the accused have been arrested. A missing person report for Arman was filed by his father on Wednesday evening, following which an investigation was launched. It was found that he was in a love affair with Kajal from a different caste. Her family was opposed to the relationship. Currently, the situation is under control.”

Family Alleges Police Delay After Arman Went Missing

Arman’s family has alleged that they had repeatedly approached the police in the days following his disappearance, fearing for his safety. They claim timely action could have prevented the accused from hiding evidence.

Arman’s sister told NDTV that the family had no knowledge of the relationship. “He was working in Saudi Arabia for four years. He came three months ago,” she said.

As word spread about the recovery of the bodies, residents from both communities gathered near the site. Police responded by deploying additional forces, including PAC personnel, to maintain law and order.

Village head Bablu Saini said, “We don’t know how long their affair had been going on? This evening, through the police, it was revealed that a complaint had also been filed by the family members of the deceased boy. Investigation revealed that both of them were murdered.”

Police say further investigation is underway, and strict action will be taken against all those involved.