Indian model Sheetal found murdered near canal with throat slit in Haryana

Dubai: A young model from Haryana's regional music industry, Sheetal—also known as Simmi—was found murdered near a canal in Khanda village, Sonipat in Haryana, Northern India, according to reports.

Her body, according to a report in India Today, bore injuries including a slit throat and was recovered during a late-night operation by the Sonipat Police.

The 24-year-old resident of Panipat had been reported missing by her family earlier this week. A missing person’s complaint was registered at the Panipat police station after she failed to return from a scheduled Haryanvi music album shoot in Ahar village on June 14.

According to police sources, Sheetal had left home two days ago accompanied by a male companion, identified as Sunil.

The two were travelling in a car that, under suspicious circumstances, was later found submerged in the canal. While Sunil was rescued from the vehicle and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Panipat, Sheetal was found dead near the canal during the vehicle's recovery operation.

“There are injury marks on the body, and we can confirm it is a case of murder,” said DSP Rajbir Singh to India Today, confirming that the death was not accidental.

The Sonipat Police has registered a murder case and launched a probe into the incident. No arrests have been made yet. The body has been sent for post-mortem to a civil hospital, and forensic teams are assisting in the investigation.

A joint investigation is now underway between the Panipat and Sonipat police departments. Authorities are examining Sheetal’s call records, last known location, and interviewing individuals from the album shoot and her known circle.

Meanwhile, Sheetal’s family has alleged foul play and demanded a thorough probe, claiming she was murdered and that her death is being misrepresented as an accident.

This case is the latest in a series of disturbing and macabre crimes targeting women in India. In recent months, headlines have been dominated by reports of brutal murders involving young women, often from the entertainment or social media world, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed scrutiny of women's safety.

The recurring nature of such crimes has raised serious concerns about systemic gaps in protection and justice.

Further investigation is ongoing. Police are yet to ascertain the motive and identify additional suspects involved in the crime.