MEERUT, May 3 -- A case initially registered as a road accident in Shamli district has now been turned into a murder investigation after a post-mortem examination allegedly revealed that the victim died from a gunshot wound to the head. Ashu, 24, a resident of Khandrawali village under Kandhla police station limits, was found dead late Friday night near the Khandrawali outpost on the Delhi-Saharanpur Highway. Police initially treated the case as a road mishap and sent the body for post-mortem examination. The post-mortem report received on Saturday, however, stated that the cause of death was a bullet injury to the head, overturning the initial findings and indicating alleged foul play. Following the revelation, family members and villagers staged a protest by placing the body on the Delhi-Saharanpur Highway, blocking traffic and demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. Police teams led by Hemant Kumar, circle officer, Kairana, reached the spot and attempted to pacify the protesters. The situation was brought under control after officials assured swift action. The protesters later lifted the blockade and returned home with the body. The CO said that a detailed investigation has been initiated and efforts are underway to identify and arrest those allegedly involved in the incident. htc...