-Kabaddi player Sonu Nolta

Panchkula: Gopal Sukhomajri, who had unsuccessfully contested the last assembly elections as an independent from Kalka, has been arrested in the murder of Kabaddi player Sonu Nolta.According to Panchkula police, Gopal, the alleged mastermind, was absconding after the murder that took place in Amravati area last year. With his arrest, the total number of accused held in the case has reached 12.The resident of Sukhomajri village in Pinjore area was arrested on May 12 and produced in court the next day, where police obtained a one-day remand for questioning. After interrogation, he was taken into judicial custody on Thursday and admitted to Ambala jail.Police said Gopal played a key role in planning and executing the murder. During remand, investigators seized his mobile phone and gathered vital clues. Further investigation is underway to uncover the wider conspiracy and identify other accomplices.On June 5, 2025, Sonu Nolta was shot dead by armed assailants outside a mall in Amravati area of ​​Panchkula, after which investigation is going on by multiple teams.The investigation revealed that Gopal allegedly assisted the main shooters – identified as Piyush Piplani and Ankush Solanki – in evading arrest after the murder. They are also accused of conducting reconnaissance, arranging weapons, sharing the victim’s location and facilitating the overall conspiracy.Police said the accused had a long criminal record and was 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 attempts to murder, assault, charges under the Arms Act, Mining Act, NDPS Act and Prison Act.In the October 2024 assembly elections, he emerged as a surprise contender by securing 31,688 votes (21.71%) and stood third in the Kalka constituency after the BJP and Congress candidates.