http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?msid=278197

AHMEDABAD: The body of Mukesh Panchal (35), who had been missing since Fridays riot in Shah-e-Alam, was recovered from the nearby Chandola Lake on Tuesday afternoon.




As a result, there was a perceptible rise in tension in many sensitive areas of the city, which have been living under the shadow of communal violence for over a week. Police stepped up patrolling as a preventive measure.



The recovery of Panchals decomposed body takes the riot toll in and around Ahmedabad since the Viramgam incident on November 2 to six. Panchal was missing ever since he was dragged into one of the narrow alleys of Shah-e-Alam.



The incident had been a source of concern for the police who are now fearing fresh reprisal attacks. The Chandola Lake area was scanned by the police at least thrice, even with the help of sniffer dogs, before the breakthrough on Tuesday which was achieved with the help of information provided by sleuths of the Detection of Crime Branch.



The spot where the body was recovered was about one kilometre from the spot where Panchal was first attacked. Umesh Panchal, a cousin of the deceased, said identifying Mukesh was easy from the lucky charm tied to his arm and from his moustache.



Keshav Kumar, additional CP, said, After the post-mortem, DNA fingerprinting will also be conducted in this case to establish the identity.



Evidence suggests that Panchal was first stabbed to death and then the body was bound at the legs and waist with metal wires that were tied to slabs of concrete and stones. This kept the body under water for more than three days.



Police sources were confident that some of the six persons who have been arrested in connection with the rioting in Shah-e-Alam are also involved in this crime. Four other names have also cropped up regarding Panchals murder but all these are said to be absconding.