A 27-year-old motorcyclist, identified as Nawab Khan, was allegedly struck by a speeding SUV, abducted by its occupants, and subsequently stabbed to death on Friday, 24 October 2025, with his body later found dumped in a drain along the Patiala–Sangrur highway in Punjab. The incident has triggered a police manhunt and renewed scrutiny of the law-and-order situation in the state.

How the Incident Unfolded

The sequence of events began on Friday afternoon near a petrol pump close to Dakala village in Patiala district, when an SUV allegedly travelling on the wrong side of the road struck Khan's motorcycle head-on. Following the collision, the occupants of the vehicle reportedly overpowered Khan and forcibly bundled him into the SUV.

A passerby captured a disturbing video showing Khan hanging halfway out of a window of the moving SUV as it sped towards Sangrur. That footage has since drawn widespread attention and is now being examined by investigators as primary evidence. Police have also been reviewing CCTV footage linked to the incident to establish a clear timeline and identify the accused.

Khan's body was later recovered from a drain near Kalajhar village, before the Kala Jhar toll plaza on the Patiala–Sangrur highway, according to officials.

FIR Registered, Raids Underway

Police registered FIR No. 225 at Pasiyana police station on Friday under Sections 103(1), 140(1), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the abduction and murder. Superintendent of Police (City) Mohit Aggarwal confirmed that police teams were conducting raids at multiple locations to track down the suspects, who were last seen travelling in a black SUV.

Aggarwal expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation would yield significant leads. 'Teams are carrying out raids at different locations,' officials said, adding that all available evidence, including the video footage, was being scrutinised.

Family Left Behind

Khan is survived by his wife and a one-year-old daughter, compounding the anguish faced by his bereaved family. The victim's young age and the graphic nature of the alleged crime have amplified public distress over the incident.

Political Fallout

The killing has drawn sharp political criticism. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) General Secretary Bikram Singh Majithia launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state government. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Majithia said: 'Let bodies pile up in Punjab, but the chair of Guru Dokhi Bhagwant Mann must not be shaken. The lives of Punjabis are at stake, with murders taking place every day. But where is the accountability of Guru Dokhi Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann? Take a break from serving your masters in Delhi and pay attention to Punjab's law and order situation as well!'

This is not an isolated flashpoint — critics argue the state has seen a pattern of violent crimes on its highways, raising broader questions about policing and accountability. The AAP government is yet to formally respond to Majithia's remarks.

What Happens Next

With raids continuing and CCTV evidence under scrutiny, investigators are working to identify and apprehend those responsible. The case is expected to attract further political attention in the state assembly, with opposition parties likely to press the government on the law-and-order situation in the days ahead.