Three Arrested in Dumka for Alleged Murder of Betel Shop Owner
In a shocking development from Godda district, Jharkhand, three individuals have been arrested for allegedly hacking a 32-year-old man to death in a village under the Mahagama police station limits. The incident occurred late last month, with the police making the arrests on Monday after a thorough investigation.
Details of the Crime and Arrests
The deceased, identified as Amit Modi, operated a betel shop and was brutally murdered on the intervening night of January 27 and January 28 in Mangan-Pipra village. A special investigation team (SIT), formed by Godda Superintendent of Police Mukesh Kumar, utilized both technical and human intelligence to apprehend the suspects.
The arrested individuals include Modi's wife, Soni Devi, along with two other residents of the same village: Mohammad Shahin Alam and Vijendra Paswan. Soni Devi has been named as the prime accused in this gruesome case, and all three have reportedly confessed to their involvement during police questioning.
Motivation Behind the Murder
According to Godda subdivisional police officer Chandrashekhar Azad, who led the SIT, the murder was driven by a personal relationship. Soni Devi had been in a relationship with Amit Modi's brother for nearly five years. The duo allegedly conspired to kill Amit so they could marry without obstruction.
The police revealed that Soni Devi and the brother first hired Mohammad Shahin Alam to eliminate Amit, paying him Rs 1 lakh for the task. Alam then enlisted Vijendra Paswan, offering him Rs 25,000 to assist in committing the crime. While the brother, identified as Rohit, remains absconding, the arrested trio have provided detailed confessions.
Execution of the Crime and Evidence
The murder weapon, a gandasa (a type of sickle), has been seized from the suspects. Police described how the crime unfolded: on the night of January 27, Shahin Alam lured Amit Modi out of his home under the pretext of consuming liquor, with Soni Devi present. He then fatally attacked Amit in an abandoned area within the village.
After the murder, Vijendra Paswan helped dump the body near a graveyard. To conceal evidence, Soni Devi switched off Amit's mobile phone and disposed of it by throwing it into a river. This calculated attempt to hide traces of the crime was uncovered during the investigation.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The police are continuing their search for Rohit, the absconding brother, who is believed to be a key conspirator in the murder plot. The SIT's efforts have highlighted the use of advanced investigative techniques to solve this heinous crime, underscoring the commitment of law enforcement in the region.
This case has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising concerns about domestic violence and criminal conspiracies. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any additional information that might aid in the ongoing probe.
