PHAGWARA: In a swift and coordinated operation, the Kapurthala Police cracked the sensational murder case of a Sudanese national within 12 hours of the incident, arresting six of the eight accused from Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. The arrested suspects have been remanded to five days of police custody for further interrogation.
SSP Kapurthala Gaurav Toora, addressing the media on Thursday, confirmed the arrest and praised the rapid response and inter-state coordination that led to the breakthrough.
The crime took place on Thursday in the village of Maheru near Phagwara, where two Sudanese students — Ahmed Muhamad Nour (25) and Muhamad Wada Bala Yousaf (24) — were attacked with sharp-edged weapons outside their paying guest accommodation. Muhamad Wada succumbed to his injuries on the spot, while Ahmed survived and later provided crucial information to the police.
Based on his statement, the police registered FIR No. 70/2025 at Police Station Satnampura under sections 109, 103(1), 190, and 191(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), naming six suspects: Abdul Ahad, Amar Partap, Yash Vardhan, Aditya Garg, Mohammad Shoaib, and Shashank alias Shaggy.
A high-level investigation was launched under the supervision of SP Phagwara Rupinder Bhatti. Multiple teams, led by DSP Bharat Bhushan, SHO Hardeep Singh, CIA in-charge Bisman Singh, and ASI Jasvir Singh of Maheru police post, were deployed. The teams employed a mix of human intelligence and technical surveillance, including CCTV footage, to track the movements of the accused.
Two additional suspects — Vikas Bawa and Abhay Raj — were identified during the investigation. According to police, Abhay Raj has emerged as the primary assailant responsible for the fatal stabbing.
Based on technical leads, the police launched coordinated raids across Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, with crucial support from the Himachal Police. Six accused — Abhay Raj (Bihar), Amar Partap (Punjab), Yash Vardhan (Kanpur, UP), Vikas Bawa (Bihar), Mohammad Shoaib (Jammu), and Aditya Garg (UP) — were arrested in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. The Bolero vehicle used in their escape was also recovered.
Efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining two accused: Abdul Ahad and Shashank alias Shaggy.
SSP Gaurav Toora commended the investigation team for their swift and effective action. "We are committed to ensuring justice for the victim’s family and will ensure a thorough and time-bound investigation, " he stated.
The arrests mark a significant step forward in what was being viewed as a complex and high-profile case involving foreign nationals. The police have assured that all legal procedures will be followed diligently, and further updates will be shared as the investigation progresses.