Young Couple Found Dead in Chatra Forest, Family Alleges Foul Play
The bodies of a young couple, who had been missing for several days, were discovered hanging in a forest near the Lilajan river in Lamta panchayat, Chatra district. The grim discovery was made early on Tuesday, March 3, under the jurisdiction of the Lawalong police station.
Victims Identified as Engaged Couple
The deceased have been identified as Sanju Kumari, aged 22, a resident of Tikar village, and Ranjan Kumar Das, aged 25, from Pandey Mahua village. According to family members, the two were in a relationship and were scheduled to be married next month, adding a tragic dimension to their untimely deaths.
Timeline of Disappearance and Discovery
The couple left their respective homes on February 27 but failed to return by late evening. Their families conducted extensive searches, but their whereabouts remained unknown. Consequently, a missing persons complaint was filed at the Sadar police station by the woman's family.
The breakthrough came when cattle grazers in the area detected a strong foul odor emanating from the forest. They promptly alerted local villagers, who then informed the police. Law enforcement officials rushed to the scene and recovered the bodies, which were found hanging from a tree.
Evidence Found at the Scene
During a thorough search of the vicinity, police recovered several items that may provide clues to the incident. These included four packets of sulphur tablets, a bottle of soft drink, and Ranjan's motorcycle, which was located approximately 100 meters away from the spot. Notably, the motorcycle was found with its handle locked, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the couple's arrival at the forest.
Post-Mortem and Investigation
The bodies were subsequently sent to Sadar Hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Prashant Kumar Mishra, the officer-in-charge of Lawalong police station, stated that the autopsy results are crucial for ascertaining the facts of the case.
Family Alleges Murder, Demands Fair Probe
In a distressing turn, family members of the deceased have alleged foul play, claiming that the couple was murdered and their bodies were later hung to simulate suicide. They have demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the matter, expressing skepticism over the initial findings and urging authorities to explore all possible angles.
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting concerns over safety and justice. As the investigation continues, authorities are under pressure to provide answers and ensure that the truth behind this tragic incident is uncovered.
