Kolkata, 1 September (H.S.) -

The sensational murder of 19-year-old student Ishita in Krishnanagar has taken a chilling turn, with police revealing the accused, Deshraj Singh, had meticulously plotted both the crime and his escape. After gunning down Ishita, Singh fled to Ayodhya and was preparing to cross into Nepal when police finally apprehended him near the Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district late Sunday night.

Superintendent of Police (Krishnanagar Police District) Amarnath said on Monday that Singh had conducted detailed reconnaissance before the murder. On social media, he had posted photographs of firearms and even threatened Ishita with the caption “dead body soon.” Around six to seven months ago, Singh’s relationship with Ishita had ended, but he refused to accept the breakup. Acting out of vengeance, on August 25 he stormed into Ishita’s home in the Palpara area of Krishnanagar and shot her three times. He also attempted to fire at Ishita’s mother, but the gun misfired, sparing her life.

Immediately after the crime, Singh reportedly called his father. Police suspect that his father, a Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, may have helped him evade arrest. Following the murder, Singh traveled from Naihati to Howrah, boarded the Doon Express, and reached Ayodhya, where he planned his next move towards Nepal.

Investigators credit Singh’s maternal uncle, Kuldeep Singh, as a key link in cracking the case. Kuldeep allegedly helped him go into hiding but was later arrested, providing vital leads that enabled police to track the fugitive. Acting on this intelligence, a joint team cornered Deshraj near the Nautanwa-Baria Pasa international check post at the India-Nepal border.

Police are now probing the possible role of Singh’s father in the escape plan. Officials said Deshraj had devised a meticulous strategy not only for the murder but also for his attempted flight across international borders.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh