A gruesome murder case has shocked Chhattisgarh's Bemetara district after police alleged that a 50-year-old woman was killed, her body sexually assaulted after death, dismembered and dumped in the Shivnath River. The accused, identified as Ramprasad Sonwani (42), has been arrested and allegedly confessed to the crime during police interrogation.

The incident took place in the Chandanu police station area, where the victim was reported missing after she disappeared from her home on July 7. Following an extensive search by family members, a missing person complaint was lodged with the local police.

Body Parts Found in River

On July 9, the woman's son reportedly discovered two cloth bundles near the Amraiya stream and the Shivnath River. Police said one bundle contained the victim's torso, while the other contained her severed arms and legs. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

The discovery prompted a large-scale investigation involving forensic experts, a dog squad and local police.

Police Detail Sequence of Events

According to investigators, the accused allegedly entered the victim's house on the night of July 6, when she was alone. Police claim he attempted to sexually assault her. When she resisted, he allegedly struck her on the head with the wooden handle of a spade, resulting in her death.

Investigators further allege that the accused sexually assaulted the victim's body after the killing. Police said he later used a wood-cutting saw to sever both arms and both legs in an attempt to conceal the victim's identity before packing the remains into separate bundles.

The following night, the bundles were allegedly dumped near the Shivnath River.

Cash Allegedly Stolen

Police also alleged that the accused took ₹2,500 from the victim's house after the murder. During interrogation, he reportedly admitted spending ₹2,000, while the remaining ₹500 was recovered from his possession.

Scientific Investigation Led to Arrest

The investigation relied on multiple forensic techniques, including drone surveillance, river searches using boats, searchlights, forensic examination and a dog squad.

Based on technical evidence, witness statements and sustained questioning, police identified Ramprasad Sonwani as the prime suspect. Authorities said he later admitted to the crime during interrogation. Police have also recovered the alleged murder weapons, including a saw and a spade.

Previous Criminal Record

According to police, the accused had previously been convicted in a 2017 murder case involving another woman from the same village and had served a prison sentence. Officials said preventive action had also been taken against him in the past.

Investigation Continues

Police have registered a case under relevant provisions relating to murder, rape, destruction of evidence and other applicable offences. Officials said forensic examination and other scientific evidence will form an important part of the prosecution.

Authorities have not disclosed additional details, citing the ongoing investigation.