A girl who ran a beauty parlour in Sonipat, Haryana and had over 1 lakh followers on TikTok was allegedly murdered by her neighbour.

The victim’s body was found on Sunday by her business associate Neeraj. The woman’s neck bore marks of choking. TOI reported that the police arrested Aarif Mohammad, a localite as the alleged criminal suspect of the case on Monday. The victim, who was quite famous on social media with over one lakh followers, ran the salon at TDI City in Kundli, Sonipat along with her sister and her business partner.

DSP Virender Singh stated, “The accused Aarif has confessed to the murder. He not only murdered the woman but also was in conversation with her family throughout the night of the murder. Aarif will be presented in the court after undergoing a COVID-19 test.”

“The accused strangulated the woman using a dupatta and stuffed her body in the bed used by Neeraj. The murder came to light after Neeraj spotted foul smell emanating from the salon. He then found Shivani's body from the box,” he added.

The alleged suspect has been charged with the destruction of evidence and SC/ST (Prevention of atrocities) Act. Police further stated that the victim was murdered on Friday evening and her business partner Neeraj was out of town on the day of the murder.

The victim’s family has reportedly told police about the repeated harassment caused by the suspect.