Bail-Jumping Rape Accused Murders Complainant in Anganwadi Centre, Then Dies by Suicide
In a horrifying and tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a 57-year-old man accused of rape, who was out on bail, allegedly stabbed the complainant to death at an anganwadi centre in Balod district, Chhattisgarh, on Friday. The assailant, identified as Lakhan Dewangan, then died by suicide on the spot, according to police reports.
Chilling Details of the Attack
The brutal attack unfolded at the anganwadi centre where the 54-year-old victim, also an anganwadi worker, was employed. Police stated that a few children were having a meal inside a room when Lakhan Dewangan arrived at the centre. In a calculated move, he asked the children and the rest of the anganwadi staff to step out before bolting the door from inside, isolating the victim.
Once alone with the woman, Dewangan attacked her multiple times with a sharp-edged weapon, inflicting fatal injuries. By the time villagers and police personnel forced their way into the locked room, the woman lay dead in a pool of blood, while the man had already died by suicide.
Background of the Case and Police Investigation
Police revealed that the woman had previously filed a case alleging that she had been sexually assaulted by Lakhan Dewangan on the pretext of marriage. Following her complaint, Dewangan was arrested and sent to jail. He had recently been released on bail, which set the stage for this devastating confrontation.
Deori police station in-charge Rakesh Thakur confirmed that the sequence of events and the precise motive behind the attack are currently being verified. Authorities are piecing together the timeline and examining all aspects of the case to understand the full context of this violent episode.
Community Impact and Ongoing Probe
This incident has deeply affected the local community, raising serious concerns about safety and the judicial process. The anganwadi centre, typically a place of care and education for young children, became the scene of a gruesome crime, highlighting vulnerabilities in such settings.
Police are continuing their investigation to gather more evidence and statements from witnesses. The case underscores the urgent need for robust protection mechanisms for complainants in sensitive legal matters, especially those involving violent crimes.
