International Para Athlete Chirag Tyagi Shot Dead in Ghaziabad; Former Training Partner Detained
Ghaziabad : In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the sporting fraternity, 24-year-old international para athlete Chirag Tyagi was allegedly shot dead in Ghaziabad on Saturday. His body was found in the Sai Upvan area under the Kotwali Nagar police station limits, prompting a large-scale investigation by the police.
According to police officials, information about a body lying in the Sai Kunj area was received shortly after 3 pm. A police team immediately reached the spot and took the body into custody. The deceased was later identified as Chirag Tyagi, a prominent para-athlete who had represented India in national and international competitions.
Preliminary examination of the body suggested that Tyagi had been shot dead. Police subsequently detained a suspect, identified as Yash Khatik, who is also a para-athlete and had reportedly trained alongside Tyagi in the blind category athletics events.
Rivalry linked to qualification dispute
During questioning, Yash Khatik allegedly told investigators that he was upset with Chirag Tyagi over a document verification complaint. According to police, Tyagi had raised objections regarding Khatik’s documentation, which reportedly led to the cancellation of his qualification. Investigators believe the suspect harboured resentment over the issue and may have committed the crime as an act of revenge.
Police teams have been deployed to recover the firearm allegedly used in the murder and to investigate whether any other individuals were involved in the incident.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Dhaval Jaiswal stated that legal proceedings are being initiated based on a complaint from the victim’s family and that all aspects of the case are being thoroughly examined.
Returned from Bengaluru before incident
Chirag Tyagi, a resident of Basantpur Saitli village in Muradnagar, was a well-known para-athlete specializing in the 100-metre and 400-metre events. According to family members, he had returned to Delhi from Bengaluru on Friday after qualifying for a major para-athletics event.
He reportedly stayed overnight at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi and spoke to his family around 8 am on Saturday, informing them that he had booked a cab and was heading home. Shortly after that conversation, his mobile phone became unreachable, and the family lost contact with him.
Body found in Sai Upvan
Family members said they received information from police around 1 pm regarding the recovery of a body from the Sai Upvan area. Upon reaching the spot, they identified the deceased as Chirag Tyagi.
Forensic experts and local police teams collected evidence from the scene. Investigators noted that Tyagi’s mobile phone, wallet and travel bag were missing, raising additional questions about the circumstances surrounding the crime.
While police have indicated a possible motive linked to the sporting dispute, investigators are also examining other angles, including robbery and personal enmity. Family members have described the incident as a planned and deliberate murder and have demanded swift justice.
Sporting fraternity in shock
Chirag Tyagi had earned recognition for his achievements in para-athletics and had won several medals at national and international levels. His recent qualification for a major para-sporting event had brought pride to his village and family.
The news of his death has triggered grief across the sports community, with fellow athletes and local residents expressing shock over the killing of a promising young sportsperson.
Police are analysing CCTV footage, surveillance data and other technical evidence as part of the investigation. Officials have expressed confidence that the case will be fully solved and all those responsible brought to justice.
