A retired South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) employee and his wife were allegedly murdered with an axe over a long-running land dispute in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district, with the accused later setting their bodies and house on fire in an attempt to portray the crime as an accidental blaze.

Police have arrested two brothers in connection with the double murder, which took place in Krondha village under the Dharamjaigarh police station limits.

Bodies Found Inside Burnt House

According to police, the charred bodies of Mangal Rathia (65), a retired SECL employee, and his wife Punei Bai Rathia (55) were discovered inside their house on July 15.

Following the incident, teams from the local police, forensic science laboratory (FSL), dog squad and senior officers reached the spot to collect evidence. A case of murder, destruction of evidence and other relevant offences was registered against unidentified persons, and an investigation was launched.

Land Dispute Led to Murder

During the investigation, police found that the victims had purchased four acres of agricultural land in Krondha village by offering a higher price than other prospective buyers.

Investigators said the land purchase had triggered a prolonged dispute with members of another family in the village.

According to police, the accused allegedly conspired to eliminate the elderly couple over the ownership dispute.

Police Dog Helped Crack the Case

A breakthrough came when the police dog squad tracked the scent from the axe allegedly used in the murder.

Police said the sniffer dog, Ruby, led investigators directly to one of the suspects, Shyam Lal Rathia. Subsequent forensic evidence, technical analysis and witness statements strengthened the case against him and his brother Jeevan Lal Rathia.

During interrogation, both accused allegedly confessed to the crime.

Killed With Axe, Bodies Burned

Police said the accused reached the victims' house on the night of July 14 carrying an axe.

As soon as Mangal Rathia opened the door, he was allegedly attacked repeatedly with the weapon. Hearing the commotion, his wife came outside and was also assaulted and killed.

To destroy evidence, the accused allegedly placed clothes, sofa covers and other household items over the bodies before setting them on fire. They also ignited two rooms of the house in an attempt to make the incident appear to be an accidental fire.

The accused allegedly fled after abandoning the murder weapon at the scene.

Weapon, Clothes Recovered

Based on the disclosure statements of the accused, police recovered the axe allegedly used in the crime along with the clothes worn during the incident.

Both accused—Shyam Lal Rathia (32) and Jeevan Lal Rathia (48), residents of Krondha village—were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.

Police Warn Against Taking Law Into Own Hands

Raigarh Senior Superintendent of Police Shashi Mohan Singh said land disputes and personal conflicts should be resolved through legal means rather than violence.

He said the case demonstrated how scientific investigation, forensic evidence and police dog assistance helped solve a carefully planned crime and bring the accused to justice.

The investigation into the case is continuing.

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.

A seven-day search for a missing businessman ended in tragedy after his body was recovered from a shallow grave near a riverbank in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district. Police suspect the 48-year-old businessman was murdered before his body was buried in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence. Four suspects have been detained for questioning as the investigation gathers pace.

The deceased has been identified as Vijay Jain, a resident of Gairatganj, who had been missing since July 7. His body was discovered on Monday evening near Parasia village after local villagers noticed a group of stray dogs gathered at one spot along the riverbank.

Dogs Lead Villagers to Burial Site

According to police, villagers had gone to the area to graze goats when they observed dogs repeatedly digging and barking at a patch of soil. On closer inspection, they noticed a human leg protruding from the ground, prompting them to alert the police.

A police team reached the spot and excavated the site, recovering the buried body. Initial observations indicate that the victim's throat may have been slit before the body was buried to conceal the crime. Authorities have said the exact cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem examination.

Artificial Eye Helped Confirm Identity

Police said the body was identified through the victim's clothing and his artificial eye, which matched the description provided by family members. Officials noted that Vijay Jain had been wearing the same clothes on the day he went missing.

The body was found in a decomposed state, with the face badly damaged and one leg partially mutilated, reportedly due to animal activity.

Businessman Missing Since July 7

Family members had reported Vijay Jain missing after he failed to return home on July 7. His mobile phone had remained switched off, and relatives later found his house locked. After unsuccessful attempts to locate him, a missing person complaint was filed with the local police.

The discovery of the body has now transformed the missing person investigation into a suspected murder case.

Four Persons Detained

Following the recovery of the body, Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Gupta and Additional Superintendent of Police Deepak Nayak visited the crime scene to supervise the investigation.

A forensic team and dog squad collected evidence from the burial site, while police detained four individuals for questioning. Officials have not disclosed the identities of those detained or the possible motive behind the suspected murder.

Investigators are examining all angles, including the victim's personal and business-related connections, while awaiting forensic findings and the post-mortem report to establish the sequence of events.

Police said further legal action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.

A 48-year-old woman was found dead in a semi-nude condition in bushes near her residence in Chhattisgarh's Dharamjaigarh area on Tuesday, prompting police to investigate the case from multiple angles, including suspected murder.

The deceased has been identified as Rajkumari Chauhan, a resident of Masjidpara under the Dharamjaigarh police station limits. Police said the exact cause of death will be established only after the post-mortem examination and forensic analysis.

Body Discovered Near Home

According to preliminary information, Rajkumari's daughter had left for school in the morning as usual. When she returned home in the afternoon, she could not find her mother inside the house.

After searching the surrounding area, she discovered her mother's body lying in nearby bushes and immediately informed local residents and the police.

Officers reached the spot soon after receiving the information and began collecting forensic and physical evidence from the scene.

Previous Night's Dispute Under Investigation

Local residents told police that the deceased and her husband had allegedly argued the previous night over an undisclosed issue.

Police, however, have not officially confirmed the circumstances surrounding the reported dispute and said every possible angle is being investigated before drawing any conclusions.

Husband Missing After Incident

Investigators said the woman's husband, Mohabbat Chauhan, has been missing since the incident and has not yet been located.

Police are attempting to trace him for questioning as part of the investigation. Officials clarified that his absence is one of several aspects being examined and that no conclusions regarding his involvement have been reached.

Forensic Evidence Being Examined

The crime scene has been secured, and investigators have collected evidence for forensic examination.

Police have also recorded statements from family members, neighbours and other local residents to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the woman's death.

Officials said the post-mortem report will play a crucial role in determining whether the death resulted from homicide or any other cause.

Investigation Continues

Dharamjaigarh Police have registered the case and initiated a detailed investigation.

Authorities said further legal action will depend on forensic findings, medical examination reports and evidence collected during the course of the investigation.

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A celebratory evening turned into a tragedy at the Ambedkar Awas ITI Colony in Raigarh late Wednesday night, after a window air conditioner's compressor exploded in a residential quarters. The blast triggered a massive fire and choked the room with toxic smoke, killing a 45-year-old man and leaving his teenage son critically injured.

The incident took place under the jurisdiction of the Chakradhar Nagar police station. The fire also spread to the courtyard, reducing two motorcycles parked outside the house to ashes.

Tragedy Strikes Hours After Birthday Celebrations

The deceased has been identified as Purushottam Patel (45), who resided in the colony with his son, Aryan Patel. Wednesday marked Aryan’s 19th birthday, which the family had celebrated earlier in the evening.

According to emergency responders, the father-son duo went to sleep after dinner. At around 3:00 AM on Thursday, the window AC unit installed in their bedroom experienced a catastrophic technical failure, culminating in a high-intensity compressor blast.

The sparks from the explosion instantly ignited nearby household items and rapidly spread to the entrance, where two motorcycles were parked. Within minutes, thick, black smoke engulfed the entire house. Because the fire blockaded the main exit door, both victims were trapped inside the burning structure.

Neighbors Smash Open Doors to Rescue Duo

The deafening sound of the compressor blast woke up neighbors, who rushed out to find the front porch of Patel's house structural engulfed in flames. Local residents immediately alerted the Dial-112 emergency helpline.

Without waiting for the fire tenders, a combined team of local youths and arriving police personnel smashed open the main door to pull the unconscious duo out of the smoke-filled room.

They were rushed to the nearest hospital, but medical authorities declared Purushottam Patel dead on arrival. Doctors confirmed that Patel had already succumbed to asphyxiation caused by inhaling a heavy concentration of carbon monoxide. His son, Aryan, who sustained severe burn injuries and smoke inhalation damages, is currently battling for his life at the Government Medical College Hospital.

Forensic Teams Launch Technical Investigation

Following the incident, a team of forensic experts along with Chakradhar Nagar police officials visited the spot to examine the debris and determine the exact cause of the failure.

"Preliminary structural findings indicate that the blast occurred in the window AC's compressor unit. Because the bedroom was relatively small and poorly ventilated, the toxic smoke accumulated rapidly, leaving the occupants with zero reaction time. We are investigating whether a voltage surge or lack of maintenance triggered the blast," said Rakesh Mishra, Chakradhar Nagar Town Inspector.

The police have registered a case of accidental death and sent the body for an autopsy. Meanwhile, electrical safety inspectors have cautioned residents across transit colonies to get their cooling appliances serviced regularly, especially during peak humidity cycles when compressors operate under maximum thermal load.

Aditi Maurya (28), a married woman found dead at her in‑laws’ home here, has left relatives alleging foul play after they spotted multiple injuries on her body. The city police have registered a case and begun forensic probes; the husband, however, told investigators that Aditi hanged herself.

Aditi, originally from Madhupur in Sonbhadra (UP), married 33‑year‑old Ravikant Maurya in February 2019. The couple had a 13‑month‑old daughter. Police said the body was recovered on the night of June 23 from the house on Dayalband Madhuban Road in Bilaspur’s City Kotwali area and sent for post‑mortem. The family conducted the post‑mortem in the presence of relatives, officials said.

What police say

• The husband told police he was sleeping in the upper room with the child and on coming downstairs found Aditi on the bed. He alleged she had tried to hang herself with a silk saree but the noose broke and she fell.

• Authorities registered the matter as a suspicious death (MURG) and the scene was sealed. The FSL team collected evidence from the room and nearby areas, a senior officer said. Investigations are continuing and formal legal action will follow the post‑mortem report.

Family alleges assault and murder
Aditi’s family, however, has accused the husband and in‑laws of killing her. Her brother Akhilesh Verma told police that Aditi had faced physical and mental harassment since the marriage and often complained about abuse during phone calls to her maternal home. Relatives said contacts with Aditi had reduced in recent days, and phone calls to her were often unanswered.

Brothers and other family members claimed visible injuries on Aditi’s body. They said bruises and marks were present on her hands, neck, legs and ear — signs they say are inconsistent with hanging. The family has demanded an impartial investigation and the registration of FIRs against the husband, mother‑in‑law, sister‑in‑law and other relatives.

Dispute over alleged affair and earlier conflict
Police sources said a dispute over the husband’s alleged relationship with another woman had caused friction between the couple. Aditi’s brother Abhishek alleged that she had recorded a video of chats from Ravikant’s phone and sent it to her elder sister a week earlier; family members said that argument may have escalated.

Relatives also said there was a physical altercation on June 23 before Aditi was found unconscious, and that they were informed of her condition only after others alerted them. The family rushed from Uttar Pradesh to Bilaspur when they learned of the incident.

Evidence collection and next steps
The Forensic Science Laboratory team collected samples and material evidence from the scene, and the police completed the panchanama before sending the body for post‑mortem. Officials said biological and circumstantial evidence, along with witness statements and the post‑mortem report, will determine whether death was due to suicide, accidental injury or homicide.

“Post‑mortem findings and forensic reports will be decisive. We are probing all angles, including the family’s allegations,” Additional SP City Pankaj Patel told reporters. The officer added that the investigation will follow legal procedures and action will be taken based on evidence.

Why this matters
The case highlights recurring concerns around domestic strife, alleged marital abuse and demands for transparent probes in suspicious deaths. Families in such cases often call for swift, independent forensic verification to rule out foul play and ensure accountability.

What’s awaited
Authorities said they will release findings after the complete post‑mortem and forensic reports are available. The police have not yet named any accused; they urged family members to cooperate and refrain from public accusations until the investigation progresses.

Focus remains on whether injuries on the body match the husband’s account and on any digital or medical evidence that can clarify events leading up to Aditi’s death. Relatives continue to press for an FIR against the in‑laws and for a fair, speedy probe.

Ramsahay Jaiswal served spiked liquor to victims; police exhume 7 bodies for forensic tests; villagers claim plot to sacrifice 21 people

In a case that has sent shockwaves through Chhattisgarh's Balodabazar district, police have arrested a local grocery shop owner for the alleged poisoning of eight villagers over a period of three months — a crime investigators believe was driven by an obsession with hidden treasure.

Ramsahay Jaiswal (45), a resident of Kharve village under Kasdol police station, was taken into custody on Saturday after two days of intense interrogation during which he reportedly confessed to the killings. Police have registered nine FIRs against him under sections related to murder and poisoning.

The Timeline of Deaths

The string of suspicious deaths began on February 6, 2026, when Badri Patel died. Over the following weeks and months, seven more men lost their lives:

- February 6: Badri Patel

- February 20: Budhalu Sahu

- March 12: Budhram Jaiswal

- March 20: Chhatturam Sahu

- March 31: Vinod Sahu

- April 28: Gajanan Manjhi

- April 29: Chaituram Sahu

- May 14: Mahetru Sahu

The victims, aged between 42 and 55, were all liquor addicts who had direct or indirect links with Jaiswal.

How the Crime Unfolded

According to villagers, Jaiswal would offer liquor laced with poison to his targets at different times. Within minutes of consumption, the victims' health would deteriorate rapidly, leading to their deaths.

Kamta Prasad, brother of deceased Chhatturam Sahu and uncle of Vinod Sahu, alleged that Jaiswal either served the poisoned liquor personally or arranged for it to be delivered through others.

What makes the case particularly chilling is Jaiswal's behaviour leading up to the arrests. Villagers told police that he would openly share violent plans — but people dismissed them as jokes. He allegedly spoke of setting a gas cylinder on fire to explode when people came to extinguish it, and urged youth to set tractors ablaze.

"The most surprising thing was that he seemed to be happy when discussing the frequent deaths in the village," villagers recounted. "Whenever someone died, Ramsai was the first to be informed. He would call people to his shop and inform them of the deaths. It seemed as if he was slowly moving towards some hidden target".

The Treasure Hunt Theory

A darker narrative has emerged from the village — one of black magic and human sacrifice. According to police sources, villagers suspect Jaiswal was attempting to unearth a hidden treasure buried in the ground, locally referred to as 'hunda'.

Some villagers claimed Jaiswal had been planning to sacrifice 21 people to obtain the buried wealth. With eight deaths already recorded, fears grew that 13 more lives were still at risk. He allegedly placed images of deities for tantric practices in a corner of his shop.

Police Investigation

Following complaints from grieving families, police launched an investigation. On Saturday, a team of police personnel, revenue officials and Forensic Science Laboratory experts exhumed the body of Mahetru Sahu — the most recent victim — for post-mortem and toxicology tests. The remains were sent to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital in Raipur.

On Tuesday, six more bodies were exhumed using JCB machines for forensic examination. Seven of the eight deceased had been buried according to Kabir Panthi customs.

SDOP Kasdol Kaushal Kishore Wasnik confirmed that statements from 20 villagers, including relatives of the deceased, have been recorded. "Postmortems have been conducted on the bodies of the seven deceased, and forensic examinations are underway. We are now conducting a detailed investigation, taking all aspects into account".

Jaiswal had initially denied the allegations during questioning, but reportedly confessed after two days of sustained interrogation. He was formally arrested on Saturday. Police are expected to hold a press conference on Tuesday afternoon to reveal further details of the conspiracy.

Community in Shock

The small village of Kharve, with its tight-knit agrarian community, has been gripped by fear and grief. Villagers performed a peace prayer after the deaths and have been demanding justice.

One survivor reportedly fell ill after consuming liquor from Jaiswal but recovered after hospital treatment. This incident prompted the community to approach the Kasdol police station with a written complaint.

A witness, Umesh Navrange, told police that Jaiswal had once told him: "I have bought borax and warned you not to tell anyone. At that time, I didn't understand his words". Navrange said the shopkeeper constantly asked him to kill several villagers, offering money in exchange.

Police officials have confirmed that further legal action will depend on the post-mortem and toxicology reports. The investigation is ongoing.

Security agencies in Chhattisgarh have arrested a man suspected of having links with Pakistan’s ISI during a routine tenant verification drive. The arrest has triggered alarm over possible anti-national activities in the region.

The accused has been identified as Sevak Singh, a resident of Patti in Tarn Taran district of Punjab. He was living in Aklatara area of Janjgir-Champa district. Police said the suspect came to their notice during a special checking campaign ordered by Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Pandey.

When a police team reached a house near Minimata Chowk to verify tenants, Singh’s behaviour raised suspicion. During questioning, his answers did not satisfy the officers. A search of his mobile phone reportedly revealed chats and contacts with numbers from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram and Instagram.

Serious Allegations

Preliminary investigation suggests Singh was in touch with ISI-linked handlers. Police suspect he may have been sharing sensitive information such as locations, vehicle numbers, and photos of important persons and places. There are also unconfirmed claims that he was expecting weapon deliveries via drone from across the border for possible target killings. Officials, however, clarified that these aspects are still under investigation and no concrete confirmation has been established yet.

A case has been registered at Aklatara police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) including Section 152 (acts endangering sovereignty) and others. The mobile phone has been seized and sent for forensic examination.

SP Vijay Kumar Pandey said the probe is progressing rapidly and all digital evidence is being thoroughly analysed. Further arrests or revelations cannot be ruled out as questioning continues.

This arrest comes amid heightened security concerns in Chhattisgarh, especially after previous cases involving radicalisation of local youths. Police have appealed to landlords to verify tenants properly and report any suspicious activity immediately.

The development has once again highlighted the challenge of cross-border intelligence networks attempting to exploit internal vulnerabilities. Officials maintained that the situation is under control and investigations are being conducted with utmost seriousness.

MP Women's Panel Visits Central Jail as Central Agency Correlates Digital and Medical Clues

BHOPAL: The ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the high-profile Tvisha Sharma death case has intensified following the retrieval of the second post-mortem report. Investigators have now shifted focus toward matching detailed medical, digital, and forensic evidence to piece together the exact sequence of events leading up to the actor-model’s death. The development comes alongside a surprise inspection by the state women's commission at the Bhopal Central Jail, where the prime accused and retired district judge, Giribala Singh, remains in judicial custody.

Surprise Inspection in Prison Ward

A team from the Madhya Pradesh State Commission for Women, led by Chairperson Rekha Yadav, conducted an unannounced visit to the Bhopal Central Jail on Wednesday. During the inspection of the female ward, the team met with retired judge Giribala Singh, who is currently under judicial custody in connection with the dowry death case.

Commission officials observed Singh reading Devdutt Pattanaik’s mythological fiction The Pregnant King inside her cell. Upon noticing the arriving delegation, she immediately closed the book. Yadav enquired about the prison conditions, dietary provisions, and medical facilities available to the inmates. According to commission sources, Singh remained calm and stated she had no complaints regarding her treatment.

No Special Treatment Signs Found

The women's panel inspected various sections of the correctional facility, including the hospital ward, kitchen, library, and the art and craft center. Following allegations from the victim’s family regarding potential VIP treatment due to the accused's former judicial standing, the commission stated that no such irregularities were visible during the ground check.

"The inmate appeared composed and did not request any interventions. The commission found no immediate signs indicating that special privileges are being extended to any specific individual within the ward," Rekha Yadav later confirmed to reporters.

However, prison authorities remain on alert, deploying additional guards and upgrading CCTV surveillance near the barrack. Official records indicate that 29 inmates currently serving sentences in the same jail were originally convicted by Singh during her tenure as a district judge in Bhopal between July 2021 and February 2023.

Focus Reverts to Missing Evidence

Meanwhile, the CBI is scrutinizing significant procedural gaps attributed to the local police during the initial hours of the investigation at the Katara Hills residence. Ankur Pandey, the legal counsel representing Tvisha Sharma’s parents, has raised fresh questions over a timeline discrepancy involving the retrieval of a key ligature material.

According to legal documents filed before the High Court, Sub-Inspector Dinesh Sharma reached the spot at approximately 9:42 AM on May 13. While early crime scene photographs clearly showed two distinct belts hanging from separate ceiling rings in the room, the local police reportedly seized only one belt. Furthermore, the seizing officer kept the material in his personal vehicle instead of delivering it immediately to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) forensic experts, handing it over only on May 15 after protests from the family.

Digital Data Under Expert Review

The central agency is conducting a comprehensive review of deleted data, chat history, call logs, and photographs extracted from the mobile phones and laptops recovered from the household. The data correlation aims to verify claims regarding severe financial demands and mental harassment following the couple's marriage in December last year.

Investigating officials are also verifying medical documents presented by the defense during the initial bail applications, which claimed the deceased was undergoing psychiatric treatment. As part of this validation process, the CBI recently questioned Bhopal-based psychiatrist Dr. Satyakant Trivedi. While confirming the meeting with investigators, Dr. Trivedi declined to share specific clinical details publicly, citing medical ethics and patient confidentiality regulations.

Legal Representation Dilemma in Court

The legal proceedings took another turn in the district court after advocates Reina Verma and Shreyas Saxena filed their Vakalatnama to represent Giribala Singh. Because both lawyers are registered panel members of the Legal Aid Defense Counsel under the Legal Services Authority, the local court has sought formal administrative clearance from the authority before permitting them to lead the defense.

The CBI's special crime unit continues to cross-reference the findings of the second autopsy—conducted by a specialized panel from AIIMS Delhi following a Madhya Pradesh High Court directive—with the physical evidence collected during the recent dummy-weight simulation exercise at the crime scene.

Kanker police on Tuesday said they have arrested four people, including the deceased man’s wife, in connection with a year-old murder that was earlier treated as a suspicious death. According to investigators, 32-year-old Mukesh Vishwas was given heavy doses of alcohol and, while unconscious, was killed by applying electric current using a tubewell wire.

Case reopened

The body of Mukesh, a resident of Dalli-Rajhara in Balod district, was discovered in the Bande area of Kanker on May 24, 2025. Initial post-mortem findings showed burn marks on both hands and fingers, and the cause of death was recorded as electrocution, but the case had remained unsolved due to lack of direct leads.

“Initial reports indicated accidental death, but irregularities prompted a fresh look,” said a senior police officer who asked not to be named. Superintendent of Police Nikhil Ashok Kumar Rakhecha later formed a special team to re-investigate pending leads and revisit forensic evidence.

Electronic trail, forensic work

Police said the breakthrough came after combined technical and scientific probes. Cyber cell analysis revealed frequent electronic communication between Mukesh’s wife, identified as Saraswati Vishwas, and one Indrajit Das (31). Investigators then pursued call and location data, and matched those findings with forensic traces from the scene.

“Using technical surveillance, electronic evidence and scientific analysis, we reconstructed the crime scene and established a link between the accused and the crime,” the officer said. Items seized during raids include a tubewell electric conductor alleged to have been used in the killing, mobile phones and other corroborative material.

Alleged conspiracy and motive

According to the police charge sheet, Saraswati and Indrajit were in a long-running extramarital relationship. Mukesh had reportedly been preparing to file for divorce, and domestic disputes over the relationship had escalated in recent months. Sources familiar with the probe said the couple’s personal tensions provided the motive for a planned murder.

Investigators allege that on the day of the crime the accused lured Mukesh to a hut in a field belonging to co-accused Ranjit Sarkar. There, the accused forced alcohol on Mukesh until he lost consciousness. The men then used an electric wire commonly used for tubewells to administer a fatal shock, the police said. Afterward, the group attempted to present the death as accidental.

Arrests and remand

The four accused — Saraswati Vishwas (wife), Indrajit Das (lover), Surendra Bachhad (28) and Ranjit Sarkar (39) — were arrested following coordinated searches in Kanker and Balod districts and subsequently produced before a magistrate, who sent them to judicial custody, police said.

Impact and wider probe

Local residents said the arrest has sent shockwaves through the Bande community, where Mukesh’s death had been the subject of rumours for months. “People had suspected foul play but the case went cold,” one neighbour said. “It’s a relief that police reopened it.”

Police added that the special drive has also led to fresh examinations of several pending blind murder cases in the district. Officials said their review has so far helped crack four old cases, including incidents registered from Narharpur, Tadoki and Durgukondal areas.

Next steps

Investigators say they will now seek to complete forensic profiling and finalize witness statements before filing a supplementary charge sheet. The case will be investigated under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder and criminal conspiracy.

“Further technical reports are awaited,” an officer said. “We will present all scientific and electronic evidence in court to ensure prosecution of the accused.”

Family of Four Found Dead in Durg Room, Suicide Note Recovered

Chhattisgarh tragedy points to financial strain and domestic discord, police investigation underway.

Bodies Found in Locked Room

In a tragic incident reported from Chhattisgarh’s Durg district on Friday, a family of four was found dead inside a locked room in the Mohan Nagar police station area. The bodies of a couple and their two young children were discovered under circumstances that have pointed investigators towards a suspected murder-suicide.

Police officials who reached the spot late in the morning found the parents, identified as Govind Sahu (45) and Chanchal Sahu (40), hanging from separate nooses. Their children—daughter Drishti (13) and son Yashant (11)—were lying on a bed in the same room, with visible injury marks on their necks.

Suicide Note Points to Family Discord

Officials have recovered a handwritten suicide note from the room, which is now a central piece of evidence. According to sources familiar with the matter, the note mentions ongoing family discord and financial strain as major factors.

“Initial reports indicate the note contains personal grievances. The exact wording is being verified,” a local police officer said, requesting anonymity as the investigation is at a preliminary stage. The authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the couple first killed the children before taking their own lives.

A Family Just Back from Pilgrimage

Neighbours and relatives have told police that the Sahu family had recently returned from a pilgrimage to the Tirupati Balaji temple. Govind Sahu worked with a private firm in the area, and the family had been residing in the rented accommodation for several years.

The bodies were discovered by the children’s grandmother. On Friday morning, when she went to call them and got no response, she alerted other family members. The door was eventually broken open, revealing the scene inside.

Post-Mortem Underway, Call Details Scrutinized

Police teams have sent all four bodies to the Durg district hospital for post-mortem examination. While the suicide note offers a apparent motive, officials are treating the case with caution.

“We are investigating the sequence of events. The call detail records of the parents are being pulled, and we are also questioning close relatives and neighbours,” said a spokesperson from the Mohan Nagar police station. The children's bodies have been sent for a separate forensic analysis to conclusively determine if they were smothered or strangled.

Economic Pressure Emerges as Likely Trigger

Preliminary inquiries with people in the locality suggest that the family had been facing a persistent economic crunch. While police have not officially confirmed the financial distress angle, sources on the ground indicate that mounting debts and daily pressures may have pushed the couple to take the extreme step.

The authorities have cordoned off the crime scene and are expected to release a detailed statement once the forensic reports and post-mortem results are submitted. No arrests have been made, and the case is currently being treated as an unnatural death.

Bhopal Grocer Shot Dead in Broad Daylight Bike Attack

Bairasiya kirana trader Hanif killed by unidentified bike-borne assailants near Shamsabad Road dhaba; single bullet pierced chest in targeted firing.

Bairasiya Murder Shocks Locality

In a shocking incident, a 42-year-old kirana businessman was gunned down in broad daylight in Bhopal's Bairasiya area on Wednesday evening. The victim, identified as Hanif, son of Mohammad Shafeeq, was shot at close range while riding his motorcycle towards Shamsabad to visit a relative. 

The bullet struck him in the chest and passed through, leading to his instant death. His body was found near a dhaba on the Shamsabad Road, roughly 10 km from his home in Ward No. 7, Bairasiya. 

Attack Unfolds in Minutes

Eyewitnesses told police that two men on a motorcycle approached Hanif from behind around 4:30 pm. One of them fired a single shot before the duo sped away. The entire episode lasted mere seconds, leaving passersby stunned. 

Hanif's family said he had no ongoing enmity or business dispute. "He was simply going to a relative's house. There was no prior threat," a family member told reporters at Bairasiya Civil Hospital, where a crowd gathered soon after the news spread.

Police Launch Probe

Bairasiya police reached the spot immediately after receiving information. Forensic teams and a dog squad were pressed into service to collect evidence, including the victim's motorcycle, which was recovered from the scene. The body was sent for post-mortem.

Bhopal Rural SP Ramsharan Prajapati confirmed that a case of murder has been registered against unknown persons. "CCTV footage from the dhaba and nearby areas is being scanned to identify the attackers. We are examining all possible angles, including personal or business rivalry," the SP said. 

No arrests have been made so far, but investigators are hopeful that visuals from the route will provide crucial leads. 

Rising Concern Over Roadside Shootings

This incident comes amid growing worries about targeted attacks in the region. Just days ago, a similar family-related shooting was reported in neighbouring Rajgarh district, where a young man was killed over old rivalry. 

In Bairasiya, locals expressed fear that such brazen crimes in daylight could erode the sense of safety in semi-urban pockets of Bhopal. Shopkeepers in the area said they now hesitate to travel alone after dusk. 

Family Demands Swift Justice

Hanif's relatives have urged police to crack the case quickly. They ruled out any immediate provocation, insisting the attack appeared sudden and unprovoked. The victim leaves behind a wife and children, who are in deep shock. 

Officials indicated that initial inquiries point to a possible personal angle, though nothing has been confirmed. Teams are also questioning locals and checking call records. 

What Lies Ahead

Police have intensified patrolling in Bairasiya and surrounding areas while appealing to the public for any information. The focus remains on analysing CCTV and forensic clues to nab the culprits at the earliest. 

As investigations continue, this Bairasiya murder has once again highlighted the need for better surveillance and quicker response mechanisms on arterial roads leading out of Bhopal. Authorities have assured that no effort will be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice.