Sukhdev Pehalwan, a key convict in the infamous Nitish Katara murder case, has died in a road accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar district, mere months after walking out of prison following the completion of his 20-year sentence. His sudden death has reignited public interest in one of India’s most chilling honour-killing cases, which once gripped the nation and sparked widespread outrage.

The fatal collision occurred in the Turkpatti area on Tuesday, where Pehalwan was travelling on a two-wheeler accompanied by two pillion riders. According to preliminary reports, their vehicle was struck head-on by an SUV, believed to be a Mahindra Scorpio, causing all three riders to be thrown onto the road in a violent impact. Another person involved in the crash also succumbed to injuries, deepening the tragedy.

Emergency services rushed Pehalwan to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead upon arrival, unable to revive him due to the severity of his injuries. The two others who were travelling with him sustained serious wounds and are currently undergoing medical treatment. Their condition remains under close observation as authorities monitor their progress.

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Police have seized the vehicle suspected to have caused the collision and are actively searching for the absconding driver, who reportedly fled the scene immediately after the crash. Officials have launched a formal investigation and are examining whether the incident was accidental or if foul play can be ruled out, given Pehalwan’s high-profile criminal background.

Pehalwan was convicted alongside Vikas Yadav and Vishal Yadav for the brutal 2002 murder of Nitish Katara, allegedly carried out over Katara’s relationship with Bharti Yadav, daughter of influential politician D.P. Yadav. While the Yadav cousins were sentenced to 25 years, Pehalwan received a 20-year jail term. He completed his sentence earlier this year, and following a brief delay caused by administrative issues, he was released from Delhi’s Tihar Jail only months before his untimely demise.

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