The body of Railway Protection Force (RPF) jawan Dharmendra Kumar (48), who had been missing since May 25 while on duty, was recovered from a pond in Bihar's Munger district on Thursday. His family alleged that Kumar was murdered and his body was thrown into the pond to conceal the crime. Kumar was a resident of Mahmada village under Ramnagar police station in Munger, police said.
Discovery of the Body
According to RPF officials, Kumar was posted at Lailakh Mamlakha station on the Bhagalpur–Sahebganj rail section under the Malda division. The body was found naked, and his uniform, cellphone, and a gold ring were missing, allegedly to prevent identification. The body was sent to a Bhagalpur hospital for post-mortem examination.
Family's Account
Kumar's wife, Rani Devi, said she last spoke to him around 8 pm on May 25 via video call. “He said he was going on duty and mentioned he had been deployed alone at the station. He asked me to eat and sleep before ending the call,” she recounted. When she tried calling him the next morning, his phone was switched off. After repeated failed attempts, the family contacted a relative working with the railways at Malda station, who alerted RPF personnel at the Kahalgaon post. Senior officials were subsequently informed.
Search and Recovery
The family, along with villagers, reached Lailakh Mamlakha station and began a search with the help of RPF personnel. On Thursday around 5:30 pm, the body was found floating in a pond about 3.5 km from the station, near the railway tracks. The family identified him through a silver ring he was wearing.
Allegations of Murder and Negligence
Family members claimed there were multiple injury marks on Kumar’s body and alleged he was beaten to death after being abducted. They also accused the RPF of negligence, saying no timely information or support was provided during the search. The family warned of a ‘rail chakka jam’ if the case is not solved and the accused are not arrested within a week.
Official Response
RPF Commandant Hira Prasad Singh said, “An FIR has been registered against unknown persons, and the case is being investigated from the murder angle.” The investigation is ongoing.
