Punjab AAP leader, girlfriend among 6 held for wife's murder
What's the story
The Punjab Police have arrested Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Anokh Mittal, his girlfriend, and four alleged contract killers in the murder of his wife Lipsi Mittal.
Last week, Lipsi was reportedly killed by armed robbers on Saturday night as the couple returned home from dinner in Dehlo, Punjab.
Initially, Anokh claimed he had stopped the car to answer nature's call when five armed men attacked him.
Investigation twist
Husband's inconsistent statements raise police suspicion
Upon regaining consciousness, he claimed he found his wife dead and their car and her jewelry missing.
However, police grew suspicious as Anokh frequently changed his statements, hinting he might have made up the robbery story.
Police Commissioner Kuldeep Singh Chahal revealed that Anokh was identified as the key conspirator behind the murder.
The investigation revealed that Lipsi discovered Anokh's extramarital affair, leading him to allegedly conspire with his girlfriend to kill her.
Arrests made
Contract killers arrested, gang leader still at large
Along with Anokh and his 24-year-old girlfriend, four contract killers were arrested: Amritpal Singh alias Balli (26), Gurdeep Singh alias Manni (25), Sonu Singh (24) and Sagardeep Singh alias Teji (30).
Amritpal, Gurdeep, and Sonu are residents of Nandpur village while Sagardeep belongs to Dhandari Kalan.
The kingpin of the contract killer gang, Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi, is still at large.
Reportedly, Anokh promised the killers ₹2.5 lakh for the murder and paid them an advance of ₹50,000.
Political profile
AAP leader's political background and induction
Anokh joined AAP four months ago after being inducted by MLA Ashok Parashar Pappi.
Before his arrest, he was a businessman dealing in the sale of agricultural equipment.
His political career started with his induction into the party, which was considered a big move because of his influence in the business community.
The murder case has now cast a shadow on his short-lived political journey and raised questions about the party's vetting process for new members.