In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through a rural community, an elderly couple was brutally murdered in their home in Khunti district on Friday night. The victims have been identified as Kanu Munda, aged 66, and his wife Gauri Devi, who was in her sixties.
Gruesome Discovery in Ladup Village
The horrific crime unfolded in Ladup village under the Maranghada police station limits of Khunti district. According to police reports, the assailants employed a chilling tactic to prevent neighbors from intervening during the attack. They systematically locked the front doors of neighboring houses to ensure no one could come out upon hearing the victims' cries for help.
Local residents only discovered the tragedy on Saturday morning when they found themselves locked inside their own homes. After breaking free, they raised an alarm and immediately informed the police about the gruesome discovery.
Police Investigation and Witch Hunting Angle
Preliminary investigation reveals that the elderly couple was attacked with a sharp weapon, leading to their tragic deaths. While the perpetrators remain unidentified and at large, Khunti police have indicated that this could potentially be a case of witch hunting.
Khunti SP Manish Toppo confirmed that all possible angles are being thoroughly investigated. "We are exploring every aspect of this case to bring the culprits to justice," stated Toppo, emphasizing the seriousness with which police are treating this brutal double murder.
Community Shock and Ongoing Probe
The murder has left the close-knit village community in a state of fear and disbelief. The calculated manner in which the assailants operated - locking neighboring houses to prevent intervention - suggests a premeditated attack rather than a spontaneous crime.
Police teams continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder while forensic experts examine the crime scene for additional clues. The incident highlights the persistent challenge of superstition-based crimes in certain rural areas, even as authorities work to educate communities and prevent such tragedies.