/In a breakthrough, the SAS Nagar (Mohali) Police cracked the blind murder case of budding singer Navjot Singh Virk, popularly known as Issapuria, six years after the gruesome incident. SAS Nagar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Sandeep Kumar Garg on Friday announced the arrest of 25-years-old Abhishek alias Rajat Rana — a resident of Umarpur village in Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh, in connection with the murder.

The chilling incident dates back to May 2018 when Abhishek, along with his accomplice Saurav of Sultanpur Barwala, targeted Navjot Virk to snatch his Nissan Micra car. The motive behind the murder was revealed as a part of the duo’s sinister plan to use the stolen car for another crime.

The budding singer was shot dead following heated arguments, and his lifeless body was later discovered by family members in a vacant plot near Usha Yarn Factory, after his Nissan Micra was found abandoned at Barwala road near Expo Forging.

“Today, after 6 years, the killers of Singer Navjot Singh @ Isapuria Virk have been arrested. Justice has been served,” Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The 9 mm pistol, the weapon used in the crime, had already been recovered by the Raipur Rani Police of Haryana.

SSP Garg, addressing the media, disclosed that Abhishek and Saurav were affiliated with the notorious Rahul Khatta gang based in Uttar Pradesh. The murder case was meticulously investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by SP Investigation Amandeep Singh Brar, consisting of DSP Investigation Gursher Singh and CIA Incharge Mohali Shiv Kumar.

“We worked on many angles but did not find any personal enmity motive. During the investigation, it came to light that on the day of the murder, the victim was returning home from his music class when the accused stopped the car. In a bid to snatch the car, the accused fired at least four gunshots at the victim and left him dead on the spot,” said SSP Garg.

“This was not just a random act of violence; it was a planned move by criminals with a history of felonies. Their intention was not just the murder but to use the stolen car for subsequent criminal activities,” said SSP Garg.

The arrest of Abhishek has uncovered his extensive criminal record, with at least seven cases against him, including murder, attempted murder, and dacoity.

Meanwhile, another accused, Saurav, involved in the murder, has already met his demise, reportedly due to a drug overdose.