Raipur — What initially appeared to be a routine missing person investigation has turned into a shocking murder case in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, where police say a man was beaten to death during a drunken altercation and secretly buried along the banks of the Mahanadi River in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Authorities have arrested four individuals in connection with the case after a detailed investigation involving CCTV footage, technical surveillance, and intense interrogation exposed the alleged cover-up.
Victim Reported Missing After Night Gathering
The victim, identified as Bhuneshwar Yadav, 38, a resident of Indira Colony in the Temple Hasoud area near Raipur, was reported missing on May 23 by his wife, Ishwari Yadav.
According to police, Bhuneshwar had disappeared late on the night of May 22 from a warehouse owned by one of the accused, Nohar Das Ratre, also known as Golu Ratre.
Temple Hasoud Police registered a missing person report under case number 59/2026 and immediately launched an investigation.
CCTV Footage Raised Suspicion
During the probe, investigators reviewed CCTV footage from nearby areas and identified three men who were reportedly last seen with the victim before his disappearance.
Police said the suspects repeatedly attempted to mislead investigators during questioning. However, inconsistencies in their statements, combined with technical evidence and surveillance data, eventually led to a breakthrough.
Following sustained interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crime.
Alcohol-Fueled Dispute Turned Deadly
According to investigators, the victim and the accused had been consuming alcohol together at a warehouse on the night of the incident.
Police said the group later traveled toward Mahasamund district in a Brezza SUV bearing registration number CG 04 PH 9996.
During the journey, an argument reportedly broke out between the men. Investigators allege that Bhuneshwar Yadav slapped Nohar Ratre during the altercation, which enraged the group.
The accused allegedly assaulted Bhuneshwar severely, resulting in his death.
Body Buried Along Riverbank to Destroy Evidence
After realizing the victim had died, the accused allegedly panicked and decided to hide the body to avoid arrest.
Police said the suspects, with the assistance of another individual identified as Shravan Jangde — reportedly the maternal uncle of Nohar Ratre and a resident of Nandgaon — transported the body to the banks of the Mahanadi River.
The group allegedly dug a pit in the sand and buried the body in an attempt to destroy evidence and conceal the murder.
On May 28, acting on information provided by the accused, police recovered the body from the riverbank area. Family members later identified the deceased as Bhuneshwar Yadav.
Four Arrested in the Case
The arrested suspects have been identified as:
- Nohar Das Ratre alias Golu Ratre, 35
- Amit Rajput, 37
- Hemchand Banjare alias Sonu Banjare, 28
- Shravan Jangde
All are residents of areas linked to Temple Hasoud and nearby localities.
Murder Case Registered
Since the alleged murder occurred within the jurisdiction of Mahasamund police station, authorities there have registered a criminal case under Sections 103(1), 238, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India’s newly implemented criminal code.
Further legal proceedings and forensic investigations are currently underway.
Police Say Truth Eventually Surfaced
Investigators described the case as a reminder that even carefully concealed crimes can eventually be uncovered through persistent police work and modern investigative techniques.
Officials credited CCTV analysis, digital evidence, and coordinated field investigation for solving the case and recovering the victim’s body despite attempts to bury the evidence.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges or arrests.
