Model murder: Reward for information on scriptwriter

The Delhi Police declared a reward of Rs 50,000 for information leading to the arrest of Shanti Deep Verma, who has been named as an accused for the kidnap and murder of model Sumit Tiwari (20).

Sumit's body was found packed inside a suitcase on the third-floor flat of Verma on Saturday. Police said Verma was the scriptwriter for an film, in which Sumit was working.

Police suspect that Verma is hiding in Uttar Pradesh and have sent several teams to the state. His mobile phone has been put on surveillance and the details revealed that Verma has left Delhi.

Sumit's father Rameshwar Tiwari told Newsline: "On the day (Sumit went missing), we received a phone call from someone we trusted. We allowed our son to go and meet him. Look at what has happened today."

Tiwari said police were coordinating with the family and keeping them updated about the case.

Police said Tiwari had received a ransom demand of Rs 2 lakh. Police put the family's mobile phones on surveillance and also recorded their statements. The investigation led the police to Verma's flat in Mandawli, East Delhi, where Sumit's body was found.

Police believe it was a case of kidnapping for ransom gone wrong.

Police said prima facie, it appeared that Verma needed money to produce a film. "We suspect that there are some other associates of Shanti Deep Verma who are helping him. Our teams will arrest him soon," a senior police officer said.

Sources said one Rakesh, who is believed to be an associate of Verma, is also linked to the murder.

Sumit had completed an acting course from Marwah Studio, Film City, and had worked as a model for several corporate events.

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