High-end cars, followers & a murder; Nolta, Pilani lived on fast lane

Time of India

08-06-2025

Panchkula: Sonu Nolta, the national Kabaddi player shot dead in a case of targeted killing and the accused shooter, Piyush Piplani, had a significant following among local youth.
They were operating from the small town of Pinjore and were known for their flashy lifestyles. They often flaunted high-end cars and modified jeeps on social media.
Their online presence was characterised by styled moustaches, gym-toned physiques, and a train of young followers. According to the police, both individuals were heavily influenced by notorious gangsters like Bhupi Rana and Lawrence Bishnoi, even modelling aspects of their lifestyles after them.
Piyush, whose Instagram account tagline reads, "Badnam hai, Gumnam nhi," has around 17,000 followers. He has also been seen getting photographed with local politicians. His reels and posts featured him in different jeeps and cars, with a gang of young men in tow.
His grandfather's brother used to be a sarpanch back in the day. Presently, he ran a footwear shop. His father had passed away. "Though he has criminal cases, I thought he had mended his ways.
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However, this brutal murder has come as a shock. I do not know what he was thinking," said a man who knows him closely.
Nolta also had a large fan following, with over 6,000 followers on Instagram. He loved flaunting his tattoos, followers and personal vehicles.
His pictures have messages of "RIP," "miss u bro," "legend never dies," and heart emojis, reflecting his following among youth. "Nolta comes from a Rajput family from the Raitan belt in Morni.
He is a local lad who made good money in business, so he earned a good following among the younger generation there. He shifted to Tipra, where he was running a good outlet on the highway and staying alone in another location in Tipra.
Sonu has a criminal past, but he never used to trouble innocent people," said the man known to him closely.
A local known to them told TOI that they were not big gangsters or criminals. Fifteen to 20 men were close to them.
They often had spats but no one expected a murder. Also, there is no solid reason for a murder. Earlier, they used to work together.
A senior police officer told TOI, "It is a matter of concern even for us that despite being involved in various criminal activities, they have a big following among youths. So it is sensitive for a place like Pinjore."
Angles being probed:
Police are working on several theories, including personal rivalry, a business deal gone wrong, a conflicting love interest etc.
Police sources said that Piplani was allegedly working for a local politician involved in mining, while the victim was also allegedly involved in mining. They said that this may have been a factor.
Police said that the Nexon car recovered from outside PGI belonged to Ishan, who was a friend of Nolta, which has complicated the case further.
Since the car has bloodstains, police assume that the shooter may have injured himself during the attack, which may also have been preceded by a fight.
Meanwhile, shocked by the incident, local advocate Deepanshu Bansal has appealed to the police to ensure safety of residents.
Sonu and his friend Prince were coming out of a mall after watching a film when unknown assailants fired at least 12 rounds. Six bullets hit Sonu. One of the bullets lodged in his spine. Prince also suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh, and is under treatment at PGI. Piplani took responsibility of the murder online.
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