The family of Sonali Phogat, who died under mysterious circumstances on August 23 in Goa, alleged foul play. Initially, the cause of death was reported as a suspected heart attack. However, a post-mortem report later stated that there were “multiple blunt force injuries” on her body. After this, Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code was added to the case.

The Goa Police has arrested Sudhir Sangwan (Sonali’s personal assistant) and Sukhwinder Singh in connection with the murder case. While addressing a press conference on Friday, Goa IGP Omvir Singh Bishnoi said that Sangwan has confessed to the crime. He added that after reaching Goa, Sudhir and Sukhwinder took Sonali to a restaurant in North Goa where Sudhir spiked her drink and forced her to consume it.

According to reports, Rinku Dhaka, younger brother of the deceased Haryana BJP leader and actress, had alleged in the complaint that Sonali was murdered by Sudhir along with Sukhwinder with the intention to take over her financial assets and finish her political career.

While talking to BT, Vatan Dhaka, also her younger brother, said, “She was fit and had no health issues or ailments. She was very particular about her diet, too. The news of her sudden death came as a shock to us.”

Talking about what made them grow suspicious about the incident, he said, “Her personal assistant called to inform me in the morning (August 23) that she (Sonali) had died of heart failure. A few hours later, I called them back to confirm and find out how it happened and their whereabouts. The irregularities in their statement and time of death made us suspect foul play. Later, we learnt that she was drugged and then killed. We just knew about Sudhir accompanying her and got to know about Sukhwinder later.”

Talking about Sudhir’s arrest, Vatan said, “We want the case to be thoroughly investigated. The family wants to know why they did it and at whose behest. Hamaara sab kuchh khatam ho gaya hai.”

While the family is still looking for answers, Rinku Dhaka is suspecting that the motive behind the murder could be Sonali’s property. He said, “A theft had taken place at Sonali’s farmhouse in Hisar on February 1, 2021. During her stay in Goa, Sonali learnt that Sudhir and his associates had planned it. She called us on the night she passed away to inform us about it and said that she would ask for a police investigation into the theft.”

He added, “Another theft took place at her farmhouse after her murder. Her laptop, mobile phone and CCTV footage were stolen. The caretaker of the farmhouse, Satish, informed us about it and we registered a complaint at the local police station. We want justice and the culprits to meet their fate.”