Police in Rajasthan's Dungarpur district have cracked the murder of nursing student Nisha Katara with the arrest of her lover, Poonamchand Katara. Following swift investigative measures, police teams apprehended the suspect and recovered key physical evidence, including the dagger used in the crime, blood-stained clothes, the victim's bag, and a motorcycle used during the incident. Initial inquiries revealed that the accused committed the gruesome murder to sever ties with the young woman. Investigating officers are questioning him in custody to complete the chain of evidence.
Decomposed Body Discovered Near Drain
Detailing the progression of the case, Sagwara Deputy Superintendent of Police Heramb Joshi stated that on September 24, authorities received information regarding an unidentified female body lying in a drain near the Nal Ghumav turn. The body was approximately 10 to 15 days old, heavily decomposed, and emitting a strong odor. A police contingent rushed to the scene, secured the perimeter, and collected forensic samples. Officers launched identification efforts using social media notices and physical descriptions. Relatives from Ghata Vassi subsequently identified the victim as Nisha Katara based on her footwear and clothing.
Victim Was Enrolled in Nursing Course
Further investigation revealed that Nisha was a student at a nursing college in Sagwara. She resided in a rented room close to her campus along with her female classmates. When investigators spoke to her roommates, they uncovered a vital lead. The friends revealed that on September 19, Poonamchand Katara, a resident of Parda Chaubisa, had arrived and taken Nisha with him. Nisha had been untraceable ever since, raising immediate suspicion regarding Poonamchand's whereabouts.
Search Operations Extended Across Rajasthan and Gujarat
Recognizing the gravity of the crime, police established a dedicated investigative team. The team examined surveillance camera footage from areas near the route and the crime scene, combining video review with technical data. Tracing his movements, police launched searches across several potential hideouts spanning both Rajasthan and Gujarat. Targeted operations were conducted in Udaipur, Mount Abu, Ambaji, and Ahmedabad. Authorities eventually located and detained Poonamchand. Subjected to sustained psychological questioning by interrogators, he broke down and confessed to the murder.
Fatal Stabbing Over Strained Relationship
During custodial interrogation, Poonamchand disclosed the circumstances that led to the killing. He stated that Nisha was continuously insisting on maintaining their relationship and refusing to break up. According to his statement, she was also threatening him with legal cases if he attempted to leave her. Frustrated by the continuous friction, Poonamchand devised a plan to eliminate her. On September 19, he led her to an isolated location where, following another heated argument, he repeatedly attacked her chest and abdomen with a dagger, inflicting fatal injuries.
Weapons and Evidence Recovered from Gepsagar Lake
After executing the crime, the suspect took elaborate measures to conceal his involvement. He disposed of Nisha's body in the drain before discarding the dagger, his own blood-splattered clothing, and Nisha's handbag into the waters of Gepsagar Lake. Believing the physical evidence was submerged beyond recovery, he fled into neighboring Gujarat. Using divers from the Civil Defence unit, police conducted an intensive retrieval operation in the lake, successfully recovering the weapon, clothing, and bag. Law enforcement officials are preparing to produce the accused before the court to secure police remand for continued procedural inquiries.
