Gorakhpur: Two youths have been detained in connection with the murder of a 70-year-old jeweller whose body was recovered from the Rapti river earlier this week, police said.Police on Friday said the accused allegedly killed the businessman after he repeatedly demanded repayment of a ₹1 lakh loan.The victim, Ramlal Verma of Dhaska Bhatas village in Bansgaon and owner of a jewellery shop in Katra Malav, went missing on Wednesday. His body was found floating in the Rapti river by villagers on Thursday.According to SP (South) Dinesh Puri, the prime accused, Prince (19), had borrowed ₹1 lakh from Verma to buy a motorcycle. Prince frequently gave the elderly businessman rides to and from his shop and had gained the trust of his family.Police said Prince allegedly lured Verma onto his motorcycle on Wednesday morning and took him to a temple near the Kanail-Kasihar embankment. He was accompanied by his cousin, Anshu (18), and other associates.Investigators alleged that the victim was attacked with a sharp-edged weapon and sustained multiple injuries to the neck before his body was dumped into the river.A murder case was registered at Beliapar police station on a complaint filed by Verma’s son. During questioning, the duo reportedly confessed to the crime, claiming they were upset over Verma’s repeated demands for repayment of the loan.Police are also probing the disappearance of jewellery reportedly worn by the victim and are searching for two other suspects, including Divyansh Pandey, who are believed to have helped plan the crime.
