(Rpt, correcting date in last para)

Meerut, Dec 25 (UNI) Police today confirmed the death of Dr Kavita Rani Chaudhary, an ad hoc lecturer at the Lalit Kala Department of the Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, who had been missing since October 23.

Addressing a press conference here, Senior Superintendent of Police Navneet Sikera said Ravindra Pradhan, who had surrendered before a Noida-based news channel yesterday, along with his aide Yogesh had garrotted Kavita on November 24 last near Dadri. Later, her body was thrown in Madhya Ganga canal.

''Money dispute between Kavita and Ravindra is ascertained to be the reason behind the crime. Ravindra had usurped Kavita's share. On being protested, Kavita was beaten badly by him,'' Mr Sikera added.

Mr Sikera said police have recovered another body of a woman near Madhya Ganga cannal but it is not Kavita's, adding Pradhan has accepted the crime and would appear before a local court in Meerut this evening.

Police is yet to prove the involvement of two Uttar Pradesh Ministers in the case.

Meawhile, a case was registered against three accused Sundar, Harendra and Trilok Pradhan, and efforts are on to nab the trio, he maintained.

''On October 23, Ravindra alongwith Kavita had come to Ghaziabad from Hapud in Yogesh's car and stayed at an educational institute.

Yogesh stayed at her sister's house. Next day on October 24 rpt October 24, the duo took Kavita and after tranquillising, garrotted her. Later, her body was thrown in Madhya Ganga canal.'' MORE UNI ATI RSC MSJ VC1810