A national-level para-athlete was shot dead in Ghaziabad on Saturday, just days after qualifying for the Para Asian Games.

Chirag Tyagi, a resident of Muradnagar in Uttar Pradesh, was found dead in the Sai Upvan area of Ghaziabad. Police have confirmed that Tyagi was shot and killed, and a fellow para-athlete has been taken into custody in connection with the murder.

Just two days before his death, Tyagi had secured qualification for the Para Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Japan later this year, after winning a gold medal in the 400-metre race at a national championship in Bengaluru.

According to police, Tyagi had left a hostel in Delhi for his village earlier in the day. His body was later recovered from the Sai Upvan locality. Initial investigations revealed that he had sustained a gunshot injury.

Police said preliminary investigations suggest the case is one of murder. CCTV footage from the area reportedly showed a suspect, following which a fellow para-athlete was detained. The accused is currently in custody and being questioned.

The police were informed about the incident around 3 pm, after which teams rushed to the spot and launched an investigation. The body was sent for post-mortem examination.

Officials have informed Tyagi's family about his death and are expected to record their statements as part of the investigation. Further enquiries are underway to establish the motive and circumstances behind the killing.

Source: India Today