Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh – In a shocking case that underscores the deadly consequences of family disputes intertwined with personal relationships, four people have been arrested for allegedly orchestrating the murder of their 25-year-old relative over a suspected relationship with a cousin. The incident, which police say involved the hiring of contract killers, has sent ripples across the district and raised concerns about rising incidents of violence linked to familial and social disputes.

According to officials, the victim, Sameer, was a resident of Ahmad Khel Kiratpur locality in Bijnor district. His body was discovered near a highway in the Jalalabad area, falling under the jurisdiction of Najibabad police station, on December 21. The post-mortem report revealed that Sameer had been strangled to death, indicating premeditated murder.

The case took a new turn on December 23 when Sameer’s father, Dilshad, lodged a first information report (FIR) implicating his own brother, Rafiq, and his sons Rahat and Rafat in conspiring to kill Sameer. Police investigations, aided by the analysis of electronic evidence, revealed the involvement of a fourth accused, Arshad. All four suspects were subsequently arrested and are being questioned in connection with the murder.

Police officials stated that Sameer had been in a relationship with his cousin despite repeated warnings from the girl’s family to end it. The family reportedly disapproved of the relationship and allegedly sought external help to remove Sameer from the picture. According to investigators, Sameer was also struggling with drug addiction, which added to the tension surrounding his personal life.

Further investigations revealed that the girl’s family had previously contacted a Delhi-based occult practitioner named Jainul, reportedly offering him ₹20 lakh to carry out the murder. Of this sum, ₹3 lakh in cash and ₹2 lakh through online payment were made in advance. Police say that Jainul, along with the accused, devised a plan to lure Sameer using a fake Instagram profile posing as a woman to manipulate him into coming to Najibabad.

On the night of December 20, Sameer was allegedly called to Najibabad under the pretense of meeting someone online. He arrived on his motorcycle, unaware of the plot awaiting him. According to police, Jainul, Arshad, and two other associates, Arif and Saleem, then strangled him with a muffler and dumped his body by the roadside in an attempt to make the murder look like a road accident. The police have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to trace the absconding accused, including Jainul, Arif, and Saleem.

Additional Superintendent of Police Dr. Krishna Gopal Singh explained that the case involved multiple layers of planning, manipulation, and coordination among the accused. “This is a premeditated and heinous crime. The use of social media to lure the victim shows the extent to which the accused were determined to execute their plan,” Dr. Singh said.

The murder has highlighted the dangers associated with social media and the role of online platforms in facilitating criminal activity. Authorities are examining how fake profiles and digital communication were used to deceive Sameer and orchestrate the crime. They are also investigating whether the accused had assistance beyond the identified perpetrators.

Legal experts note that the case could attract stringent provisions under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Sections 302 (murder), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 364A (kidnapping for murder). If convicted, the accused could face life imprisonment or the death penalty, depending on the judicial determination of the crime’s severity and premeditation.

The case has also drawn attention to the pressures and conflicts within joint and extended families in certain regions, where personal relationships can become flashpoints for extreme measures. Community leaders and social workers have expressed concern about the rising incidence of violence fueled by family disputes, societal expectations, and the misuse of social media platforms.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or coercion within families or social circles. Police have also appealed to anyone with information regarding the absconding accused to come forward, promising anonymity and protection under the law.

Meanwhile, the investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement officials working to uncover the full network behind the murder plot and to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice. The case is expected to proceed under tight judicial scrutiny, given its sensational nature and the involvement of multiple accused.

This incident underscores the complex interplay of family dynamics, societal norms, and digital manipulation, highlighting the need for greater awareness, conflict resolution mechanisms, and strict enforcement of legal safeguards to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The community in Bijnor remains shaken as authorities continue their search for the remaining suspects, while families and local residents await justice for the young victim whose life was brutally cut short over a personal relationship dispute. The investigation also serves as a stark reminder of how unchecked personal vendettas and misuse of technology can escalate into fatal outcomes, prompting calls for both legal and societal reforms.

Police have confirmed that they are working with digital forensic teams and other specialized units to reconstruct the chain of events leading to the murder and to establish the culpability of each accused. The coming weeks are expected to see further arrests as the investigation intensifies, with the goal of ensuring accountability and preventing any attempts at evasion by the remaining absconding individuals.

As the case develops, it continues to generate considerable attention across the state, drawing scrutiny from media, social activists, and law enforcement observers alike. The incident is being treated as a critical example of the intersection of technology, crime, and family disputes in contemporary India.

In conclusion, the murder of Sameer in Bijnor has unveiled a chilling narrative of premeditated violence, social media manipulation, and familial conflict. The arrest of four suspects marks a significant step in the pursuit of justice, but the ongoing search for the remaining accused and the examination of the broader network behind the crime will be crucial in delivering a comprehensive legal resolution. Authorities are committed to ensuring that the perpetrators face the full force of the law, sending a clear message against violence driven by personal vendettas and illicit conspiracies.