Elderly couple shot dead, CCTV captures raincoat-clad suspects absconding:Police probe contract killing linked to ₹1.20 crore house deal in Bhopal

Police investigating the murder of an elderly couple in Bhopal’s Aishbagh area have recovered CCTV footage showing two raincoat-clad suspects leaving the locality shortly after the crime. The footage has become a key lead in the case, with investigators suspecting the killings may have been a contract murder linked to a ₹1.2-crore property deal. Hemant Philemon and his wife, Shakuntala Barik, were found dead at their home in Sudama Nagar on June 27, three days after they were allegedly shot dead. Suspects used heavy rain to conceal identity According to police, CCTV footage captured two young men wearing raincoats during heavy rainfall on the day of the murder. The footage shows the suspects initially walking together before splitting up and taking different routes. They later reunited near the Subhash Nagar underbridge before disappearing from CCTV coverage. Investigators believe the accused deliberately took advantage of the rain and wore raincoats to hide their identities and evade detection. Watch the suspicious youths Murders took place three days before bodies were found The investigation and CCTV evidence indicate that the couple was murdered on June 24, while their bodies were discovered inside their house on June 27. The post-mortem examination confirmed that: The bodies remained inside the house for nearly three days before being discovered. Police probe contract killing angle Investigators suspect the murders were meticulously planned. According to police, the assailants allegedly conducted surveillance on the couple for several days before carrying out the attack. The execution of the crime reportedly resembles the work of professional shooters, prompting investigators to focus primarily on the possibility of a contract killing. Property sale under scanner The investigation has also revealed that the couple was in the process of selling their house for approximately ₹1.20 crore. Police said the deal had nearly been finalized, but the couple was killed before the property’s registration and payment could be completed. Investigators are now examining who may have stood to suffer financial losses from the transaction and whether the property deal could have been the motive behind the murders. Financial transactions of relatives also being examined Around 20 teams comprising the Crime Branch, Cyber Cell and personnel from multiple police stations are investigating the case. Police are analysing: Investigators have also identified some suspicious financial transactions in the bank accounts of a close relative of the deceased woman. Those transactions are currently under scrutiny. ₹50,000 reward announced Senior police officials continue to hold high-level review meetings at the Police Commissioner’s Office to monitor the investigation. Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said the probe is progressing from every possible angle, although no major breakthrough has been achieved so far. The police have announced a ₹50,000 reward for anyone providing credible information leading to the identification of the killers or uncovering the conspiracy behind the double murder.