Jharsuguda Tragedy: Woman Kills Two Children, Attempts Suicide in Domestic Dispute
In a shocking incident that has left the community reeling, a 38-year-old woman allegedly killed her two young children and attempted to take her own life following a suspected domestic dispute with her husband. The tragic event unfolded on Saturday night in Tangarpali village, located under the Airport police limits of Jharsuguda district in Odisha.
Details of the Horrific Incident
According to police reports, the family had shared dinner together and retired to sleep in their one-room house. Around 11:30 PM, the accused, identified as Ranjita Oram, a homemaker, reportedly woke up and informed her husband that she needed to use the outdoor toilet. Her husband, Sitaram Oram (42), who works at an automobile service center, stepped outside to accompany her.
In a calculated move, Ranjita allegedly locked the main door from the inside once her husband was outside. She then proceeded to attack her two children with an axe. Her daughter, Jigyasha Oram (10), and son, Bibhanshu Oram (5), were killed on the spot in the brutal assault.
Neighbors Intervene and Police Response
Hearing the commotion and Sitaram's desperate cries for help, neighbors rushed to the scene. They managed to gain entry through a window that lacked protective grills. Inside, they found Ranjita allegedly attempting to slit her own neck using a vegetable chopper. The neighbors quickly overpowered her, preventing further harm.
The police were immediately alerted to the situation. The two children were rushed to Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital, where medical professionals declared them brought dead upon arrival.
Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Jharsuguda Superintendent of Police G R Raghavendra confirmed that a murder case has been officially registered against Ranjita Oram. The accused is currently undergoing treatment at Vimsar Hospital in Burla, where her condition is reported as stable.
"Once Ranjita is discharged from the hospital, she will be formally arrested and presented before the court," stated SP Raghavendra. He further added that a scientific team has already visited the crime scene, and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is actively underway.
Background and Family Statements
Manju, Sitaram's sister-in-law who resides nearby, provided crucial context to the tragedy. She revealed that Ranjita had been harboring suspicions that her husband was involved in an extramarital affair, though Sitaram has consistently denied these allegations.
"The couple had a heated argument over this issue just a few days prior to the incident," Manju explained. "During that confrontation, Ranjita had threatened to kill the children and herself. After that, things appeared to return to normal, and no one anticipated she would actually carry out such a horrific act."
Expressing the family's collective anguish and anger, Manju added, "We will never allow her to re-enter this village after what she has done."
The community of Tangarpali village and the wider Jharsuguda district are grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event, as authorities work to piece together the complete sequence of events and motivations behind this family tragedy.
