A promising Paralympic athlete was allegedly shot dead in Ghaziabad, with police claiming that the murder stemmed from a rivalry linked to sports competition and document verification disputes.
The victim, identified as Chirag Tyagi, was found dead in the Sai Kunj area on Saturday afternoon. Police said the body was discovered after authorities received information about a person lying motionless in the locality. Officers rushed to the spot and subsequently sent the body for post-mortem examination.
Investigators later detained a minor Paralympic athlete in connection with the case.
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CCTV footage leads police to accused
According to The Indian Express, surveillance footage from the area played a crucial role in identifying and tracing the suspect. The accused, who is also associated with Paralymic sports, was taken into custody soon after the footage was examined.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Dhawal Jaiswal said the accused and Tyagi were known to each other and had previously trained together. Both reportedly participated in competitions under the blind athletics category and had crossed paths regularly in the sporting circuit.
Police believe the relationship between the two athletes deteriorated following a dispute connected to eligibility documentation.
Alleged motive linked to sports qualification dispute
According to The Indian Express, during questioning, the accused allegedly told investigators that Tyagi had raised objections regarding his document verification process. According to police, those complaints eventually led to the cancellation of the accused's qualification, causing resentment and anger.
Investigators said the suspect claimed he wanted revenge for what he believed was responsible for derailing his sporting prospects. Police allege that he used a pistol to shoot Tyagi.
Authorities are continuing to verify the circumstances surrounding the dispute and are examining records related to the alleged complaints.
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Probe continues into possible wider involvement
According to The Indian Express, while one arrest has been made, police have indicated that the investigation remains ongoing. Officials are exploring whether any other individuals played a role in planning or facilitating the crime.
The killing has sent shockwaves through the local sporting community, particularly among athletes involved in para-sports and blind athletics competitions.
Police said further details would emerge as forensic evidence, witness statements and electronic records are examined. The exact sequence of events leading up to the shooting is still being reconstructed as investigators continue their probe.
