Patna Lawyer's Charred Body Discovered in Locked Residence, Police Launch Investigation
Patna: In a shocking incident, the partially charred body of a 65-year-old woman lawyer was found at her two-storey residence in the Rajendra Nagar locality under the Kadamkuan police station area in Patna on Wednesday morning. The deceased, identified as Indra Lakshmi, was a practising lawyer at the Patna High Court and the civil court, adding a layer of gravity to the case that has left the local community in distress.
Discovery and Initial Response
The tragic discovery came to light around 7:30 AM when the caretaker, who resides in the backyard of the house with her family, spotted Lakshmi's burnt body in the verandah. Acting swiftly, the caretaker informed her family, who then alerted the police authorities. A team from the Kadamkuan police station promptly reached the spot, cordoned off the area to preserve evidence, and initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The body was subsequently sent to the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for a detailed post-mortem examination, while a forensic team was called in to assist with the investigation. This multi-agency approach underscores the seriousness with which the police are treating the case, as they work to unravel the mystery behind Lakshmi's untimely demise.
Police Investigation and Key Findings
DSP (Town) Rajesh Ranjan provided crucial insights into the ongoing probe. He revealed that Lakshmi lived alone on the ground floor of the house, which has raised questions about her safety and well-being. During the investigation, the forensic science laboratory (FSL) team recovered leftover kerosene oil in a mug, suggesting that kerosene was sprinkled on the body. Matchsticks were also found at the spot, he stated, indicating potential evidence of foul play or self-harm.
Ranjan emphasized that the case is being probed from all angles, and it is yet to be determined whether the death was a suicide or involved foul play. He added, The main gate and the grill door leading to the verandah were locked from inside. The female caretaker first spotted the body from outside the locked gate and raised an alarm. This detail has complicated the investigation, as it points to the possibility of the incident occurring without external intrusion.
Tenants living on the first floor, along with some of Lakshmi's relatives, reached the spot after hearing the commotion and alerted the police. The police are currently questioning tenants and neighbours, while also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas to gather more clues. Additional SHO of Kadamkuan, Arjun Kumar, noted, So far, no complaint has been received from the family. Prima facie, it appears the woman died by suicide. However, the police are investigating the case from all angles. He also mentioned that the caretaker's quarters and the tenants' portions have separate entry and exit gates, which could impact the flow of information and access.
Background and Family Details
Lakshmi's personal life adds context to the investigation. Her husband, Amarendra Sinha, is a businessman based in Ranchi, while her daughter resides in Delhi with her husband. The police have informed both family members about the incident, and their cooperation is being sought as part of the probe. According to police reports, the caretaker stated that Lakshmi was seen sitting in the verandah until midnight on the night before her body was found.
Further details reveal that Lakshmi had returned to Patna on February 1 after visiting her husband in Ranchi and had not been attending court sessions since then. This information is being analyzed to understand her state of mind and any potential stressors that might have led to the tragic event. The police are meticulously piecing together these elements to form a comprehensive picture of the case.
As the investigation continues, the community awaits answers, with the police committed to uncovering the truth behind this distressing incident in Patna.
