Kamal Ghorui
Panchkula: Gopal Sukhomajri, who had unsuccessfully contested the last assembly election from Kalka as an independent, has been arrested in the murder case of kabaddi player Sonu Nolta.According to Panchkula Police, Gopal — alleged to be the mastermind — had been absconding since the killing in the Amravati area last year. With his arrest, the total number of accused held in the case has risen to 12.A resident of Sukhomajri village in the Pinjore area, he was arrested on May 12 and produced before a court the next day, where police secured one-day remand for interrogation. After questioning, he was sent to judicial custody and lodged in Ambala jail on Thursday.Police said Gopal played a key role in planning and executing the murder. During remand, investigators seized his mobile phone and gathered crucial leads. Further investigation is underway to uncover the wider conspiracy and identify other associates.Sonu Nolta was shot dead by armed assailants outside a mall in the Amravati area of Panchkula on June 5, 2025, triggering a multi-team probe that has been ongoing since.Investigations revealed that Gopal allegedly assisted the main shooters — identified as Piyush Piplani and Ankush Solanki — in evading arrest after the murder. He is also accused of conducting reconnaissance, arranging weapons, sharing the victim’s location, and facilitating the overall plot.Police said the accused has a long criminal record and had been active in local politics. More than a dozen cases were registered against him between 2012 and 2022 in Panchkula, Ambala, and parts of Himachal Pradesh, including charges under attempt to murder, assault, the Arms Act, Mining Act, NDPS Act and Jail Act.In the October 2024 assembly polls, he emerged as a surprise contender, securing 31,688 votes (21.71%) and finishing third in the Kalka constituency, behind BJP and Congress candidates.
