Noida, August 24: A former Delhi Police constable, Praveen Singh (42), has been arrested for the murder of businessman Ankush Sharma (45) in Greater Noida. The crime was motivated by a property dispute, as Praveen sought to take possession of Sharma's flat.

According to a report in NDTV, the dispute erupted after Ankush Sharma, a property owner and resident of Golf Vista apartments, in Alpha-2, Greater Noida, demanded more than the initially agreed upon price from Praveen Singh, a former policeman and resident of Meerut. Chhattisgarh Horror: Teenage Girl With Live-In Partner Brutally Murder 'Friend' in Korba, Body Cut Into 17 Pieces.

Crime Inspired by Thrillers

Praveen, influenced by films like Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam and various crime web series, meticulously planned the murder. He first connected with Sharma through a mutual contact, property broker Sanchit, as Sharma intended to sell his flat for Rs. 1.20 crore. After paying an initial Rs. 8 lakh, a dispute over the price led Praveen to hatch a plan to kill Sharma. Bareilly: Woman’s Body With Throat Slit Found in Pool of Blood Inside Hotel Room, Police Suspect Murder (Watch Videos).

Brutal Murder in Society Parking Area

On August 9, Praveen lured Sharma under the pretext of finalizing the sale. After picking him up from his office, they consumed alcohol in a society parking area. Praveen then attacked Sharma with a hammer and strangled him to death, later hiding the body on a secluded property.

Investigation and Arrest

Following Sharma's disappearance, his family filed a missing person report, prompting a police investigation. Over 100 CCTV footage and intelligence were reviewed, leading to Praveen's arrest. The former constable disclosed the location of Sharma's body and key evidence, including the hammer and vehicle used in the crime.

Praveen has been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and is currently in police custody.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 24, 2024 03:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).