In December 2024, a grim discovery in the woods of Manchester Township, New Jersey, set off a complex investigation that unveiled a global revenge plot spanning multiple continents. The decomposed body of Kuldeep Kumar, a 35-year-old Indian national seeking asylum in the United States, was found riddled with bullets, leading authorities down a path of familial vengeance and international criminal networks.
The Discovery
On December 14, 2024, an off-duty police officer hunting in the Greenwood Wildlife Management Area stumbled upon human remains in an advanced state of decomposition. Nearby, investigators found a 9mm shell casing and a single Apple AirPod. The absence of identification documents at the scene initially left the victim’s identity a mystery.
Identifying the Victim
Fingerprint analysis soon revealed the victim as Kuldeep Kumar, reported missing from Queens, New York, approximately six weeks prior. Kumar had been staying with a cousin in the Ozone Park neighborhood, preparing for an asylum interview in Manhattan scheduled for October 23, 2024. He vanished on October 22 after receiving a phone call and leaving the residence in casual attire.
The AirPod Clue
The Apple AirPod found at the crime scene proved pivotal. When connected to a device, it registered under the name “Jai Balkari,” a slogan associated with the Bishnoi gang—a notorious criminal organization originating in India, involved in violent extortion, murders-for-hire, narcotics trafficking, and financial scams targeting individuals of South Asian descent. This connection hinted at a broader, more sinister motive behind Kumar’s death.
Unraveling the Motive
Interviews with Kumar’s family and associates uncovered a motive rooted in personal vendetta. Sourav Kumar and Gaurev Singh, both nephews of the deceased, harbored a deep-seated grudge against Kuldeep Kumar, whom they believed was responsible for their sister’s death in India. This familial animosity escalated into a meticulously planned act of revenge.
The Abduction and Murder
According to statements from the accused, Sandeep Kumar—a relative of the victim’s wife—contacted Kuldeep Kumar on October 22, luring him out of his cousin’s home. Sourav Kumar, Gurdeep Singh, and Nirmal Singh then coerced him into a vehicle, initiating a harrowing journey from Queens to the secluded woods of Manchester. Throughout the drive, the assailants threatened Kuldeep, forcing him to confess to his alleged involvement in their sister’s death. Upon reaching the remote location, they executed him, leaving his body concealed in the dense forest.
The Aftermath and Threats
In the days following the murder, the perpetrators attempted to intimidate Kuldeep Kumar’s family into silence. Sourav Kumar and Gaurev Singh made threatening phone calls to the victim’s brother, Sanjeev Kumar, warning him against involving law enforcement and hinting at further violence if their demands were not met. These threats extended to other family members, aiming to deter any pursuit of justice.
Arrests and Charges
The collaborative efforts of local and federal agencies culminated in the arrests of Sourav Kumar, Gaurev Singh, Nirmal Singh, and Gurdeep Singh in Greenwood, Indiana, in December 2024. Sandeep Kumar was apprehended in Queens, New York, in early January 2025. All five individuals face charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. They are currently held without bail at the Ocean County Jail, awaiting trial.
Broader Implications
This case sheds light on the far-reaching influence of international criminal organizations like the Bishnoi gang, which operate across borders, leveraging familial and cultural ties to execute their agendas. It also underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing crimes that transcend jurisdictions and involve complex personal motives intertwined with organized crime.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Kuldeep Kumar serves as a stark reminder of how personal vendettas can escalate into international incidents with devastating consequences. The diligent work of investigators in connecting the dots between a decomposed body in New Jersey and a global revenge plot highlights the importance of cross-agency collaboration in solving such intricate cases.
For more detailed information on this case, refer to the Asbury Park Press.
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