Police Intensify Search for Missing Nephew After Family Shooting in Varanasi

A family of five was discovered dead in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, prompting police to intensify their search for a missing relative, identified as the main suspect. The incident, which has unsettled the Bhelupur area, occurred on Monday night in the Bhaidani locality. The bodies were cremated on Thursday following post-mortem examinations.

Rajendra Gupta's body was found about 10 kilometres from his home on Tuesday afternoon. His wife Neetu, sons Navnendra and Subendra, and daughter Gaurangi were found shot dead at their residence. Initially, Rajendra was suspected due to his involvement in a 1997 murder case and ongoing family disputes. However, he was later found dead with gunshot wounds in an under-construction house in Rohaniya.

Prime Suspect and Investigation

Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaurav Banswal stated that X-rays were part of the post-mortem process. "X-rays were conducted as part of the post-mortem examinations and the cremations have now been completed," he said. Initial inquiries pointed to Rajendra's nephew, Vicky, as the prime suspect. Six police teams are actively searching for him.

Vicky had recently returned from Bengaluru for Diwali and has been missing since the murders. His phone remains switched off. The motive is believed to involve revenge and property disputes. "The motive appears to include both revenge and property disputes and we are confident of an arrest soon," added Banswal.

Additional Suspects and Leads

The investigation also focuses on three young men from Bihar who rented rooms in Rajendra's Bhelupur home. These tenants, aged between 22 and 25, have been traced to Mumbai. Bhelupur Station House Officer Vijay Shukla confirmed that police have reached out to question them there.

According to Shukla, questioning these individuals will help determine any involvement they might have had in the case. Authorities are prioritising this investigation due to potential family dynamics, revenge motives, and property issues linked to the killings.

The police are determined to resolve this case swiftly, given its complexity involving familial relationships and possible motives of revenge or property disputes. As investigations continue, authorities remain hopeful for a breakthrough soon.