Killers identified, SOG teams hot on their heels

The special operations group (SOG) of Rajasthan police, probing the recent murder of a 62-year-old businessman in Jodhpur, has claimed the killers have fled the state.

The businessman, Vasudev Israni, was shot by unidentified men, riding a bike, outside his showroom in Sardarpura area on Sunday night. The murder sparked protests by the local businessmen.

Umesh Mishra, chief additional director general of police, SOG, on Tuesday said that the police have identified the killers and have sent teams to nab them.

Earlier on Monday evening, Rajasthan police chief Ajeet Singh had transferred the probe from Jodhpur police to SOG. Mishra and Dinesh MN, inspector general of police, landed in Jodhpur on Monday night and held a meeting with the Jodhpur police on Tuesday afternoon. The two police officers also visited the spot of the crime and obtained details of the incident.

Mishra said they were taking the help of Punjab and Haryana police to solve the case. “We have identified the criminals and have sent a team comprising Jodhpur police and SOG to Punjab. We are proceeding with the coordination with the police and hope to get to the bottom of this crime soon,” said Mishra.

He, however, refused to disclose the names of the accused and other details considering the sensitivity of the matter, but assured that “breakthrough will soon be obtained”.

“I do not think it will take long considering the credibility of Rajasthan police and we are on our way,” said Mishra, adding that more teams will be sent to other places.

According to the police investigation, Harendra Jat and Kali Rajput, said to be the members of Lawrence Bishnoi gang, have emerged as prime suspects. Bishnoi is also being interrogated by a SOG team in Jaipur.

Meanwhile, the day-long bandh, called by the traders and businessmen in protest against the murder, remained partially successful in Jodhpur.

By evening, the family members agreed to take the body of the victim and proceeded for the funeral after assurance from the officials for “quick action”. Postmortem of the body was conducted in the afternoon after the family agreed to accept the body.