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Police arrested three men for the alleged murder of hardware trader Vinod Gupta in Tronica City (Img: X)
Ghaziabad : Police have arrested three men for allegedly murdering 45-year-old hardware trader Vinod Gupta in Tronica City, located in Uttar Pradesh’s Loni area. Investigators suspect that a financial dispute involving property payments and substantial gambling and stock market losses led to the killing.
The accused include Gupta’s 27-year-old tenant, who ran a car accessories shop on the deceased’s premises, along with the tenant’s 24-year-old brother and 28-year-old cousin.
Gupta left his home around 8 pm on Sunday but did not return. His body was discovered on Monday morning at an isolated location in the forested area of Tronica City.
Following the discovery, his family lodged a murder FIR at Tronica City police station, naming the three suspects. According to police, the accused fled after the incident.
An autopsy revealed 11 injuries on Gupta’s body, including seven stab wounds, officials said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rural) Surendra Nath Tiwari said the prime accused allegedly suffered losses of around ₹55 lakh in the stock market and another ₹2 lakh in casino betting.
Police said the tenant had purchased a plot from Gupta for ₹20 lakh around two years ago but had paid only ₹3 lakh. The outstanding amount reportedly led to repeated pressure from Gupta to clear the dues.
Investigators also suspect that the accused wanted to persuade Gupta to lend him more money.
According to the police, the tenant allegedly called Gupta to Mandola, claiming that someone would arrive with money to repay him. A heated argument reportedly broke out when Gupta reached the location.
Police said the tenant had brought a knife and allegedly attacked Gupta during the confrontation. His brother and cousin are also accused of stabbing the trader before all three fled.
Gupta’s family reportedly noticed a fresh, deep cut on the tenant’s lips on the night of the incident. Police believe the injury occurred during the altercation.
The prime accused was arrested late Tuesday night during a police operation. Officials said he allegedly opened fire when asked to stop his motorcycle and sustained a bullet injury to his leg during retaliatory firing. His brother and cousin were arrested at A-7 tri-crossing in Tronica City on Wednesday.
