The police arrested Nikhil, the main accused in the Majnu Ka Tila double murder case on Wednesday from Uttarakhand's Haldwani. He allegedly killed his former live-in partner, Sonal, and an infant over suspicion of infidelity. After committing crime, Nikhil attempted to leave the country. but was apprehended by police based on a tip-off.
The accused was on run since Tuesday afternoon after allegedly killing his former live-in partner Sonal (22) and an infant by slitting their throats.
Nikhil murdered his former live-in partner Sonal, believing she was romantically involved with his friend, and also killed a 6-month-old child in retaliation for what he perceived as the wrongful termination of his own unborn child. Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia stated that after the murders, Nikhil attempted to flee by train toward Ranikhet but disembarked early in Bareilly. He then hitchhiked to Haldwani, where he contacted someone named Rahul using another person's phone. Rahul helped him find temporary shelter in a nearby village.
Nikhil intended to escape to Nepal through the Banbasa border crossing. However, police received intelligence about his plans and set up surveillance near Sangam Cinema, where they arrested him while he was attempting to collect funds for his escape.
According to reports, the couple first met in Haldwani in 2023 and began a romantic relationship. In 2024, Sonal gave birth to their child in Haldwani. Since they were unmarried, they sold the infant to someone in Uttarakhand for 2 lakh rupees.
After this transaction, both relocated to Delhi's Wazirabad area. Nikhil became suspicious that Sonal was having an affair with his friend Durgesh. When Sonal became pregnant again, she chose to have an abortion against Nikhil's wishes.
On the day of the incident, Nikhil went to Durgesh's residence where Sonal was staying. A confrontation ensued, during which he attacked her with a surgical blade. He also killed Durgesh's infant daughter, believing Durgesh was responsible for influencing Sonal's decision to terminate their pregnancy.
