A 22-year-old para-athlete has been arrested for allegedly murdering his friend, roommate and mentor, Chirag Tyagi, in a case that police describe as a shocking betrayal rooted in resentment over a stalled sporting career.
The accused, Yash Khatik, was arrested on Monday after being detained overnight. Police also arrested Gagan Tyagi, 23, for allegedly helping him procure the pistol used in the murder. A third suspect, identified as Abhinav alias Abhay, who allegedly supplied the weapon, remains absconding.
Victim Allegedly Paid for the Murder Weapon
Investigators revealed a particularly disturbing detail in the case: the payment for the pistol was allegedly traced to Chirag’s own Paytm account.
Police are still investigating whether Chirag knowingly helped Yash make the payment or simply assisted him financially without being aware of the weapon purchase.
The pistol was reportedly procured about a week before the murder through Gagan Tyagi and the absconding supplier.
Friendship Spanning Seven Years
According to police, Chirag and Yash shared a close bond that began seven years ago at a local sports ground in Muradnagar.
It was Chirag who introduced Yash to coach Gajendra Singh and persuaded him to train the younger athlete at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
The two later shared a hostel room at the stadium and trained together.
Police and coaches said Chirag regularly supported Yash financially, providing money, nutritional supplements and assistance with competition paperwork.
Careers Took Different Paths
Both athletes competed in the T-12 category for visually impaired competitors.
However, their sporting fortunes diverged sharply in recent years.
Chirag had emerged as one of India’s promising para-athletes. He represented Uttar Pradesh at the national level, won gold at the Indian Open Para Athletics International competition in Bengaluru and recently qualified for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.
Yash, meanwhile, suffered a major setback when World Para Athletics ruled him ineligible for the Youth Asian Games in December 2025. Officials rejected the disability certification documents submitted on his behalf, describing them as insufficient.
Police said Yash came to believe that Chirag had deliberately made errors in the paperwork to sabotage his career.
Alleged Murder Planned Through Deception
Investigators say Yash used a fabricated story to lure Chirag out on May 30.
He allegedly told Chirag that villagers in Muradnagar were planning a celebration to honour his Asian Games selection and persuaded him to travel home together.
The pair met outside Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium after Chirag had returned from a competition in Bengaluru.
During the cab journey, Chirag reportedly continued encouraging Yash and reassuring him that future opportunities would come despite his recent setback.
Shot on the Track Where Their Careers Began
Police allege that Yash directed the cab to Mahamaya Stadium near Sai Upvan in the Hindon area.
After getting out and walking together for a short distance, Yash allegedly pulled out the pistol and shot Chirag twice from behind.
According to investigators, he told Chirag moments before the attack: “This is the same track where you and I started our careers; let us end your life and my career here.”
The postmortem report found that one bullet entered through the back of Chirag’s head and lodged in his forehead, while the second entered through his back and exited below the heart.
Attempt to Flee After Withdrawing Prize Money
Police said Yash allegedly used a blank cheque obtained from Chirag after the killing to withdraw ₹3.25 lakh from the victim’s bank account.
The account reportedly contained ₹4.25 lakh in prize money earned through competitions.
Investigators believe the accused intended to use the money to flee the country.
After the shooting, Yash allegedly returned to his village, Basantpur Sentli, in the same cab.
Investigation Continues
Chirag’s body was recovered from the Sai Upvan area on Saturday. Police have registered a murder case and are continuing efforts to trace the absconding arms supplier.
The case has drawn widespread attention not only because of the brutal nature of the crime but also because the victim and accused were once regarded by coaches and teammates as inseparable friends.
“They were like brothers,” coach Gajendra Singh said, recalling how Chirag had consistently supported Yash throughout his sporting journey.
