Man Dies After Long Cab Ride to Meet Online Friend; Skeleton Found in West Bengal

A young man from Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, has been found dead in West Bengal after traveling approximately 1,100 kilometers in a rented cab to meet a social media friend. The man, identified as 18-year-old Gajendra Chaudhary, was reportedly beaten to death by the friend’s family. The cab driver, Aniket Solanki, who was initially a suspect, has confessed to abandoning Chaudhary's body in a forest after he died from his injuries.

According to police reports, Chaudhary left Chhindwara on August 8 to meet a friend in Medinipur, West Bengal. After the violent altercation with the friend’s family, the cab driver transported the critically injured Chaudhary but was unable to get him medical help in time. Solanki admitted to abandoning the body in a remote area and returning to Chhindwara.

The Chhindwara police initially registered a missing person report based on a complaint from Chaudhary's family. Suspicions grew around Solanki, leading to further investigation. After the confession, authorities in both Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal coordinated to locate the body.

In Medinipur, police recovered a skeleton matching Chaudhary's description along with personal items like his shoes and watch. The forensic team has confirmed the remains are those of Chaudhary. The investigation is ongoing, with both state police forces working together to uncover more details about the case.

Chhindwara Superintendent of Police Manish Khatri confirmed that the forensic examination in Medinipur has been completed and the investigation continues. Authorities are looking into whether Chaudhary had previously visited West Bengal and what led to the violent encounter.