Travel operator prime suspect in Panna twin murder case

Bhopal: A travel operator is under police scanner for his alleged involvement in sensational twin murder case that took place late Thursday night in Panna district.
The suspect, whose vehicle was hired by anti-poaching squad of Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR), is reportedly on the run after the two were found murdered at a government accommodation in the reserve on Friday.Ranger of PTR Jawan Singh Rathore, 52, and guard Pattu, 40, were found sprawled on the floor with their throats slit.
"We are working on certain line. It would be too early to reach a conclusion, but our team has come across come crucial evidences. Hunt is on for the prime suspect," said IG Sagar range Pankaj Srivastava.
Sources said the forest department had hired a vehicle from the suspect. However, entry of his vehicle inside the PTR was not allowed after contract expired on June 30. He had made strong objections to it. Forest officials claim there was no need to hire a private vehicle as they had received one vehicle from an NGO working for wildlife conservation.
His vehicle (gypsy) was used for many purposes inside the PTR, including tiger monitoring and carrying cash from the bank, sources said.
"The suspect was not found in his home during search. His phone was also switched off. Efforts are on to detain him for interrogation," said a police officer.
Location of ranger's missing phone was also traced near Panna city. While body of Rathore was found in the washroom of his official quarter at Hinauta village, guard's body was found on the terrace of the same house in the tiger reserve. A clerk with forest department alerted police at 1 pm when he came to meet the ranger for official work. The front doors of the house were open.
Relatives of guard Pattu are also under scanner.