Kolkata Salon Owner Killed in Brutal Blade Attack, Assailant Dies by Suicide
In a shocking incident at Mahamayatala near Garia, Kolkata, a beauty parlour owner was brutally hacked to death inside her own salon on Tuesday. The assailant, a man from Haryana, subsequently turned the weapon on himself, resulting in a tragic murder-suicide that has left the local community in shock.
Violent Struggle Leaves Blood-Spattered Crime Scene
Police discovered the bodies of parlour owner Rupbani Das, 50, and Rohtak resident Pankaj Nath, 44, inside the salon. Investigators noted blood spatters throughout the premises, indicating a violent and desperate struggle had taken place. Rupbani Das sustained multiple slash wounds that proved fatal, while Pankaj Nath died from a self-inflicted throat wound.
Forensic evidence suggests that the blade used in both deaths originated from the parlour itself, leading police to believe the killing may not have been premeditated. This crucial detail points toward a spontaneous escalation of violence rather than a carefully planned attack.
Social Media Connection Turns Deadly
Investigators have uncovered that the victim and her assailant first connected through social media approximately two years ago. What began as an online friendship reportedly developed into a personal relationship, with Pankaj Nath visiting Rupbani Das in Kolkata on at least one occasion.
According to police sources, Nath allegedly persuaded Das to travel to Rohtak in Haryana, promising her that her beauty business would flourish there with potential earnings of up to Rs 1 lakh per month. The exact nature of their relationship remains unclear, as does whether financial prospects or romantic involvement motivated her trip.
What is certain is that after spending several months in Rohtak, the relationship deteriorated significantly. Das returned to Kolkata, but the connection between the two individuals had taken a dangerous turn.
Desperate Defense Attempt Proves Fatal
Police reconstruction of events suggests that during the fatal confrontation, Rupbani Das attempted to defend herself by grabbing a blade from her salon supplies. Evidence indicates she managed to inflict a couple of wounds on Pankaj Nath before he overpowered her, seized the blade, and delivered the fatal strikes that ended her life.
After killing Das, Nath turned the blade on himself, slashing his own throat. Even in his final moments, he apparently tried to reach the salon shutter he had pulled down but collapsed before he could escape, dying in a pool of blood against the closed entrance.
Growing Fear Preceded Tragic Incident
An employee of the beauty parlour reported being turned away by Pankaj Nath before hearing a heated exchange between him and Rupbani Das. This witness account provides crucial context about the escalating tension that preceded the violence.
Police are investigating whether Das had expressed fear about Nath to her husband, Anup. Notably, for fifteen years of operating her parlour, Das had traveled independently to and from work. However, recently—after returning from Haryana—her husband had begun dropping her off at the salon, suggesting growing concerns about her safety.
The investigation continues as authorities piece together the complete timeline of events and examine all aspects of the relationship between the victim and her assailant. This tragic case highlights the potential dangers that can emerge from online connections turning violent in the physical world.
