Madhya Pradesh: Skeletons found in Morena's submerged car identified as missing couple | Bhopal News

BHOPAL: Skeletons found inside a car pulled from river Kwari near Gopi village have been identified as those of a missing couple – Mithlesh and his cousin-in-law Neeraj Jatav.

The couple, who are believed to be in a relationship, eloped four and a half months ago. Mithlesh's husband Mukesh reported her missing to the Ambah police station soon after her disappearance on February 6, 2024. Neeraj's family, however, initially downplayed her absence, saying the couple would return shortly. This discrepancy aroused suspicion, the police believe.

The reappearance of the car happened during the pre-monsoon cleaning of the Kwari River. The receding waters revealed the moss-covered vehicle, which was later recovered by Sihoniya police with the help of villagers and a JCB. The identification of the skeletons was made possible thanks to the car's registration number (MH 03 BC-8720).

The police are investigating two main possibilities: first, whether Neeraj and Mithlesh were murdered elsewhere before their bodies were thrown into the river with the car. Investigators are also looking into the possibility of an accident. The roadway through which the car was able to enter the river lacks embankments, which suggests excessive speed or a loss of control leading to a fall.

Additional SP Arvind Thakur informed TOI that Mukesh identified the woman by her clothes. “He identified her from her clothes. But we will take DNA sampling from the two skeletal remains for further confirmation,” Thakur added.

Some marks were found on the bridge railing, suggesting the car may have fallen into the river. Police are gathering more evidence to conduct a thorough investigation. Forensic experts are cleaning the car and the police are questioning relatives and anyone who may have seen Neeraj and Mithlesh after their disappearance.