JAMMU, Feb 4: In a significant development in the high-profile Sumit Jandiyal alias Gataru murder case, Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Preet Simran K Grover today granted five days of police remand for the accused, allowing further interrogation and evidence collection.
The accused, identified as Harsh Singh, son of Ramesh Singh; Arun Kumar, son of Rajesh Kumar; Ajay Kumar, son of Rajesh Kumar— all residents of Bikram Chowk, Jammu; Abhay Singh, son of Karan Singh from Nai Basti; and Raj, son of Uttam Kumar from Old Seemapuri, Delhi, were presented before the court in custody.
Investigating Officer Deepak Pathania, SHO of Police Station Nowabad, produced the accused along with a detailed case diary in connection with FIR No. 14/2025, registered under Sections 103, 3(5), 49, 249 of the BNS, and 3/25 of the Arms Act. The police had sought an extension of seven days in remand to continue their probe into the crime.
After reviewing the case diary and other relevant documents, the court observed that the accused were arrested on February 2, 2025, and that the case involves serious non-bailable offences. The investigation remains in its early stages, necessitating further custodial interrogation to uncover additional evidence.
“The medical examination reports of all the accused have been submitted. Given the gravity of the case and the initial stage of investigation, a strong case for granting police remand is made out,” the court noted.
Granting police custody until February 8, 2025, the court also issued strict directives ensuring that the accused undergo medical examinations before being handed over to the police and subsequently every 48 hours during their remand period.
The murder of Sumit Jandiyal alias Gataru has sent shockwaves across Jammu, with law enforcement agencies under pressure to swiftly solve the case. Police sources indicate that investigators are probing deeper into the motive behind the killing, with a focus on possible gang rivalries, financial disputes, and personal enmities.
Further developments in the case are expected in the coming days as the police intensify their efforts to unravel the full conspiracy behind the crime.