In a tragic turn of events, a decade-long land feud resulted in the brutal killing of three family members in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur. Rita Devi and her two infants were strangled to death in their home while her husband was out for work. The victims were found late at night when Santosh Sah, the husband, returned from a catering assignment. The suspects are believed to be the family’s own relatives, who had been at odds with them over a piece of land for several years. This incident highlights the growing intensity of rural property disputes in the region, which often culminate in extreme violence.
The survivors of the family are reeling from the shock. Santosh’s mother, Urmila Devi, narrated that the attackers specifically targeted her daughter-in-law and the two smallest children. Fortunately, two of Santosh’s other children were with her in another part of the house and remained unharmed during the attack. The family alleges that the ‘pattidars’ (relatives) had previously sold a portion of the disputed land illegally and had been threatening to ‘eliminate their bloodline’ to settle the matter once and for all.
Rural SP Rajesh Singh Prabhakar stated that the police are examining every possible angle, although the land dispute remains the primary motive. Forensic experts (FSL) were summoned to the scene to collect fingerprints and other physical evidence. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem at a local government hospital. The police have assured the family of a speedy investigation and have formed teams to raid the hideouts of the accused relatives who have fled the village following the murders.
