Dhanbad Loan Recovery Agent Murder: ₹1 Crore Dispute Leads to Shocking Arrest

A missing loan recovery agent was found murdered inside a residential apartment in Dhanbad, sending shockwaves through the locality and prompting a swift police investigation that led to the arrest of one suspect. Authorities say the crime appears to be linked to a major financial dispute, though several aspects — including alleged ransom calls — remain under examination.

The victim has been identified as Amit Kumar Agarwal. His family had reported him missing after they were unable to contact him and later began receiving disturbing phone calls demanding money.

Missing complaint triggered investigation Dhanbad

According to police, the case first came to light when Agarwal’s relatives approached authorities and filed a missing person complaint. Family members informed investigators that ransom demands of around ₹15 lakh were allegedly made using the victim’s mobile phone after he disappeared.

The complaint prompted police to launch a search operation using technical surveillance, including call detail analysis and tower location tracking.

Technical evidence leads police to flat Dhanbad

Investigators traced the mobile phone signals to an apartment in Surya Highland Society located in the Sadar area. Officers then moved to detain the occupant, identified as Vikas Khandelwal, for questioning.

During interrogation, police say information emerged that led to the recovery of Agarwal’s body from inside the flat.

Body sent for post-mortem

After the recovery, the body was taken into custody following standard legal procedures and sent to Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Memorial Medical College Hospital for autopsy.

Officials expect the post-mortem findings to provide clarity on the exact cause and timing of death, which will be crucial in reconstructing the sequence of events.

Financial dispute suspected as motive

DSP (Law and Order) Naushad Alam said preliminary inquiry indicates that a significant money matter may have triggered the crime.

“There was reportedly an ongoing dispute between the accused and the deceased related to a loan settlement of nearly ₹1 crore. At this stage, it appears to be the primary motive,” the officer stated, while adding that conclusions would depend on further evidence.

Ransom angle under verification

Police are also carefully examining the ransom calls allegedly made after Agarwal went missing. Investigators are trying to determine whether the calls were an attempt to mislead the family and delay suspicion or whether other individuals may have been involved.

Digital evidence from phones and electronic devices seized from the location is being analysed.

Possibility of more involvement

Officials have not ruled out the role of additional persons. Sources said investigators are mapping call records, financial transactions and recent movements of both the victim and the accused.

Teams are also questioning people known to them to understand how the situation escalated.

Local concern rises

News of the recovery spread quickly across the Sadar area, drawing attention from residents. Many expressed concern over safety and the disturbing nature of the crime occurring within a residential complex.

Police maintained that the arrest was made promptly and assured the public that all facts would be brought out during the investigation.

Probe continues

Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active. They are awaiting forensic reports, post-mortem results, and further technical analysis before filing a detailed charge sheet.

“All aspects are being examined thoroughly,” an officer said.

Suggest

A loan recovery agent who had been reported missing was found murdered inside an apartment in Dhanbad, police said. The victim, identified as Amit Kumar Agarwal, disappeared after leaving for work, following which his family lodged a complaint. Relatives also informed authorities that ransom calls seeking ₹15 lakh were allegedly made from his mobile phone after he went missing.

Acting on technical surveillance, including call data and tower location analysis, investigators traced the phone to a flat in the Surya Highland Society area. Police detained the occupant, Vikas Khandelwal, for questioning. Based on information obtained during interrogation, officers recovered Agarwal’s body from the premises.

The body was sent for post-mortem examination, and forensic findings are expected to help determine the exact cause and time of death.

According to DSP (Law and Order) Naushad Alam, preliminary investigation points to a financial dispute between the accused and the victim involving a loan settlement of nearly ₹1 crore. However, police said the ransom angle and the possibility of involvement of others are still being verified.

Authorities stated that further investigation is underway, with teams analysing digital evidence, financial transactions, and call records to establish the full sequence of events.