Two Friends Found Buried Behind UP Temple; Mahant Suspected

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district have uncovered the buried bodies of two friends, Ankit, 25, and Israr, 32, who had been missing since July 25. The discovery was made on Wednesday behind a temple in Lahchaura village following an excavation of the premises belonging to mahant Naresh Nath, who is currently sought by police.

What Happened

Ankit and Israr were last seen leaving their homes on a motorcycle and failed to return. Their phones went offline on the evening of July 27. A missing persons report was filed on July 29 at the Chandinagar police station. Investigations, including the examination of call records and mobile locations, led authorities to the temple premises. Police stated that based on gathered evidence and information from two detained individuals, they determined the men were allegedly killed and buried on the mahant's property.

Key Facts

• The bodies of Ankit, aged 25, and Israr, aged 32, were found buried behind a temple in Lahchaura village, Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh.
• The two men were reported missing on July 29 after they left home on July 25 and did not return.
• Their mobile phones were switched off from the evening of July 27.
• Police investigations traced their last known movements to the temple.
• Mahant Naresh Nath, who is absconding, is suspected in the case, and his premises were excavated.
• Two individuals have been detained for questioning.
• The victims were identified by their clothing and belongings, with their bodies in an advanced state of decomposition.
• Ankit was unemployed and had five sisters; Israr worked as a labourer and supported a wife and three children.

Background

According to families, Ankit and Israr were close friends residing opposite each other. Police are investigating the theory that the men had confronted mahant Naresh Nath regarding his relationship with Ankit’s sister. Investigators suspect this confrontation may have escalated, leading to their deaths and subsequent burial.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and a forensic team collected evidence from the burial site. The precise sequence of events and the motive behind the alleged crime are under investigation.