Elderly Man Stabbed to Death Over Sandalwood Tree Theft in Rewa, Police Face Negligence Charges

Senior citizen killed in broad daylight over disputed sandalwood tree; main accused absconding as police face accountability questions

An elderly resident of Rewa's Naubasata district was found dead Sunday morning after being stabbed multiple times with sharp instruments. The victim, Umakant Mishra, had reportedly opposed the theft of a sandalwood tree from his residence just two days prior. Police have launched a manhunt for the primary accused, Rahul Pathak, while the victim's family has accused local authorities of negligence in responding to prior threats.

The Incident: Murder in Broad Daylight

The attack occurred at approximately 11:30 AM on Sunday near Naubasata police station, leaving the neighbourhood in shock. Mishra was rushed to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital (SGMH) with multiple stab wounds but was pronounced dead on arrival by attending physicians. The postmortem examination is currently underway as investigators piece together the sequence of events.

Authorities have initiated a formal investigation into the killing, which marks a significant breakdown in law enforcement response, according to family statements. The neighbourhood remains tense following the daylight attack, with residents questioning police effectiveness in preventing the tragedy.

Sandalwood Theft Preceded the Murder

The chain of events leading to Sunday's killing traces back to Friday, when unidentified criminals cut down and stole a sandalwood tree from Mishra's property. The elderly resident immediately protested the theft and reported the incident to local authorities. Family members say they explicitly warned police of potential retaliation risks following the tree removal.

Mishra's opposition to the theft appears to have created significant tension between him and the culprits involved in the sandalwood smuggling operation. According to locals, the sandalwood tree carried substantial value, making it an attractive target for organised theft networks operating in the region.

Family Accuses Police of Inaction

Arjun Kumar Mishra, a relative of the deceased, has filed a formal complaint against Naubasata police station for alleged dereliction of duty. He stated that the family raised concerns about potential threats immediately after the tree theft, but police failed to take preventive measures.

"We informed authorities of the danger beforehand. The police didn't treat our warning seriously," Arjun Kumar told investigators. "Had officers acted promptly after the theft was reported, this murder could have been prevented."

The allegation underscores growing concerns about police responsiveness in preventing crime before it escalates. The case now raises critical questions about how police handle prior threat reports in property-related disputes.

Investigation Underway, Accused Remains at Large

Police station in-charge Ghanshyam Mishra confirmed that Rahul Pathak is the primary accused in the stabbing case. "The investigation is proceeding systematically, examining all aspects of the incident," the officer stated, adding that the accused remains absconding.

Since the Sunday morning attack, Pathak has evaded capture despite intensified police efforts across likely hideout locations. Authorities have not disclosed whether additional suspects are being sought in connection with the murder or the preceding tree theft.

Community Response and Safety Concerns

Sunday's brazen daylight murder has triggered widespread anxiety across the Naubasata neighbourhood. Residents expressed shock that such serious violence could occur during morning hours without effective police intervention. The incident has sparked renewed debate about personal security in the district and police capacity to respond to escalating disputes.

Local authorities face mounting pressure to resolve the case swiftly and address community concerns about law enforcement gaps. The timing and nature of the attack suggest an organised response by individuals likely connected to sandalwood smuggling networks operating in the region.