Latest news with #Nolta
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Panchkula: Jailed history-sheeter spoke to key accused over phone
Deepak Pandit, alias Deepu, who was brought from Ropar jail on a production warrant, had been in constant communication via mobile phone with Piyush Piplani, the prime accused in kabaddi player Sonu Nolta's murder case, police revealed on Thursday. Investigators are working to establish Pandit's precise role in the crime. (HT photo for representation) Pandit has been nominated as the fifth accused in the murder case, while police have revealed that he may have played a crucial role in providing logistical support to the assailants. Police say that Pandit reportedly used a mobile phone to communicate with Piplani two days before Nolta's murder on June 5. Sonu Nolta, a 32-year-old kabaddi player was shot dead on the night of June 5, outside Amravati Mall, Pinjore. Notably, the deceased, Nolta, also had nine cases registered against him. While officers remain tight-lipped, a senior official confirmed Pandit's arrest was facilitated through technical surveillance and local intelligence. Police sources also indicate that Pandit, who was remanded to five days of custody, is undergoing thorough interrogation by the detective staff of district police. Investigators are working to establish Pandit's precise role in the crime. 'Pandit is a history-sheeter with more than a dozen criminal cases, including charges of murder, robbery, and violations of the Arms Act,' said a senior officer. Initially, police have identified four accused linked to the Nolta murder case. Prime accused Piyush Piplani and Ankush are still at large, while Sameer Khan, the third accused was arrested on June 11. Police sources have clarified that Pandit was not the fourth occupant of the car used in the crime. The identity of the fourth individual has not been revealed by the police, but his picture, captured from CCTV cameras at Chandigarh Railway Station, was previously circulated to various Punjab police stations. The fourth individual was described as fluent in Punjabi by arrested accused Sameer Khan. Prime accused Piyush along with Ankush, had claimed responsibility for the murder and posted videos on social media, associating themselves with Anmol Bishnoi and Arzu Bishnoi, and naming gangster Bhupi Rana as their rival. They asserted that Nolta was killed for assisting Bhupi Rana and his associates. However, police had denied any links between the accused and Anmol Bishnoi, suggesting the videos were posted solely for publicity.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Time of India
Nolta's murder: One arrested, mastermind still at large
1 2 Panchkula: In a chilling twist to a crime that has shaken the quiet town of Pinjore, police have arrested one of the key suspects in the brutal murder of national kabaddi player Sonu Nolta, even as the alleged mastermind, Piyush Piplani, remains on the run. The arrest came a week after Nolta was gunned down outside Amravati Mall on June 5, a night that turned deadly when four men allegedly ambushed him in a calculated act of violence. The motive? A sinister bid to assert dominance in the area, police claimed. The breakthrough came Wednesday evening when police nabbed Sameer Khan, a resident of Saini Mohalla, who had been living under the radar. His arrest followed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 10, led by ACP (crime) Arvind Kamboj. Investigators believe Sameer was drawn into a deadly alliance with Piplani and another local, Ankush Solanki. Together, they allegedly plotted Nolta's murder, conducting a recce in a car before executing their plan. On the fateful night, as Nolta arrived at the mall to watch a movie, the assailants struck. Gunfire erupted, leaving Nolta fatally wounded and his cousin, Nitin alias Prince Rana, injured. In a brazen move, the suspects uploaded a video of the attack on social media — an act that would become their undoing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indian Stewardess Makes Headlines Worldwide medalmerit Learn More Undo Police traced the video's IP address within hours. Ironically, during their escape, Piplani reportedly shot himself in the hand by accident. The group abandoned their vehicle at PGI Chandigarh the next day, where police later recovered a spent cartridge — vital forensic evidence. With Piplani still at large, police have launched an aggressive manhunt. Eight special teams are scouring hideouts across Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Mohali. Investigators are leaving no stone unturned — tracking digital footprints, analyzing call records, and interrogating friends and family. DCP (crime) Amit Dahiya confirmed that past criminal records of the suspects are under scrutiny, and forensic experts are working to build an airtight case. On Thursday, Sameer was remanded to five days in police custody. During the court hearing, Nitin Rana, still recovering from his injuries, identified Sameer as one of the shooters. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Time of India
High-end cars, followers & a murder; Nolta, Pilani lived on fast lane
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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo 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. MSID:: 121708690 413 |
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Time of India
Gangland clash plays out on Panchkula streets, kabaddi star shot dead
1 2 3 Panchkula: In a chilling display of gangland violence, Sonu Nolta, a 32-year-old national kabaddi player, was gunned down in a brutal ambush outside Cosmo Mall in Amravati on Thursday night. The attack, which unfolded around 10:30 pm, is believed to have been orchestrated by Anmol Bishnoi, brother of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi , in what police describe as a fallout of long-standing personal enmity. Nolta, a resident of Nolta village in Kalka, had just finished watching a movie with his friend Nitin alias Prince, 26, and two women. As they sat in their Scorpio SUV, a Maruti Swift pulled up beside them. Without warning, a barrage of bullets, 15 rounds in total, was unleashed. Seven bullets struck Nolta, hitting his back, chest, head, and hand, killing him instantly. Prince, a resident of Mallah village in Pinjore, was shot in the thigh. He was rushed to Sector 6 civil hospital, then referred to PGI Chandigarh due to the severity of his injuries. Doctors said he is out of danger. The crime scene was littered with 12 bullet shells, and forensic teams recovered four more during their investigation. DCP Shrishti Gupta, along with teams from crime branch Sector 19 and 26, arrived at the scene to oversee the probe. What followed was a brazen digital confession. Within 20 minutes of the murder, a man identified as Piyush Pinjori uploaded a video to Instagram, claiming responsibility. In the video, he declared: "Ram Ram brothers. This is the crime... we committed it. If anyone else has a problem, he can tell us." Piyush, once a close friend of Sonu, had reportedly fallen out with him over personal disputes. Sources say the two were seen together just two days before the murder, possibly in a final, failed attempt at reconciliation. He was allegedly accompanied by Ankush, who was seen brandishing a pistol in a separate viral video. Police have registered a case under BNS and Arms Act and have formed three special teams to track down the accused. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
