Transporter Dhirendra Pratap Singh Found Murdered in Lucknow, Driver Detained

LUCKNOW: A 40-year-old transporter who had gone missing from Sushant Golf City was found murdered with two bullet injuries on Sunday, with police detaining his driver and an aide in connection with the crime. The victim, identified as Dhirendra Pratap Singh, a resident of the PGI area and originally from Unnao, was found with bullet injuries to his head and chest. Police suspect he was shot inside his Fortuner SUV before his body was dumped in a canal near Dubagga. Police said he was also associated with a political party. Singh's wife, Mamta Singh, had approached police after he went missing, alleging that he had been abducted by his driver, Ravi Pandit, and some associates. Following her complaint, police registered a case and formed six teams to trace Singh and investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. Deputy Commissioner of Police, South Zone, Mohd Mushtaq, said investigators examined CCTV footage and surveillance inputs during the probe. "During the investigation, it emerged that Singh was murdered by his driver along with associates. His body has been recovered, and the vehicle in which the crime was committed has also been seized," Mushtaq said. Police recovered the Fortuner suspected to have been used in the murder and detained the driver and his aide for questioning. Inquest and post-mortem proceedings are underway. Investigators suspect a property dispute worth around Rs 8 crore in Unnao may have triggered the murder. Police are examining the nature of the dispute, identifying those involved and probing whether the accused had links with persons opposed to Singh. Given Singh's roots in Unnao, investigators are scrutinising his land dealings and recent interactions to determine whether the dispute directly led to the killing. However, police said other possible motives have not been ruled out. Teams are analysing CCTV footage from Sushant Golf City, routes leading to Dubagga and areas around the canal where the body was recovered. Investigators are also reconstructing Singh's movements before he went missing and examining his call records and contacts. Police are questioning the detained men to establish the sequence of events, identify any other conspirators and ascertain whether the murder was premeditated. Mushtaq said strict action would be taken against every person found to be involved in the crime.