Ramgarh, Oct 24: Jharkhand police arrested four people on Friday in connection with the death of 38-year-old Rohit Kumar, whose body was recovered from bushes near the Pararu Nala bridge in the Argadda area under Kuju police station limits, officials said.
Arrests after body found dumped to conceal crime
Police said the body was discovered along the roadside where it had been dumped apparently to conceal the offence. Rohit’s brother, Karan Kumar, lodged a complaint at Kuju police station after the body was found on Wednesday, prompting the inquiry that led to the arrests.
A special investigation team (SIT) was constituted by Ramgarh Superintendent of Police Mukesh Kumar Lunayat, and placed under the supervision of Sub-Divisional Police Officer Alok Ranjan, the SDPO said at a briefing.
"Anju, her mother and her brother were involved in Rohit's murder," SDPO Alok Ranjan said, adding that one other accused helped transport and dump the body.
Accused identified; alleged motive a domestic dispute
Police identified the accused as Anju Devi (the victim’s wife), Sundari Devi (his mother-in-law, 51), Dineshwar Prajapati (Anju’s brother, 28) and Mohammad Shaukat Ansari (35), described as an acquaintance of Anju.
According to the police account, Rohit and Anju frequently quarrelled over domestic matters, including issues relating to Anju’s conduct. The couple reportedly had a fresh argument the day before the killing, which the SIT says escalated into violence.
During questioning, police said Anju confessed and named the three others as participants in the crime. Investigators allege that after the killing the accused attempted to conceal the offence by disposing of the body near Pararu Nala, with Shaukat Ansari providing a vehicle to transport the corpse.
What police have done so far
The SIT has taken custody of the four accused and is recording statements and collecting evidence from the scene and surrounding areas. Forensic teams were reported to have examined the site where the body was found and are expected to forward post-mortem and forensic reports to the investigating officers.
- Complaint registered at Kuju police station by the victim’s brother.
- SIT formed by Ramgarh SP Mukesh Kumar Lunayat under SDPO Alok Ranjan.
- Police report an alleged confession by the wife naming three co-accused.
- Forensic and scene investigations under way; legal charges to be framed by investigators.
Accused: names, age and relationship to victim
| Name | Age | Relation/Role |
|---|---|---|
| Rohit Kumar | 38 | Victim |
| Anju Devi | Not specified* | Wife (accused) |
| Sundari Devi | 51 | Mother-in-law (accused) |
| Dineshwar Prajapati | 28 | Brother of Anju (accused) |
| Mohammad Shaukat Ansari | 35 | Acquaintance of Anju; allegedly transported the body |
*Age of Anju Devi was not stated in the police release.
Next steps in the probe
Police said they will complete custodial interrogation and produce the accused before a magistrate as required. Charges relating to murder, concealment of evidence and other relevant provisions are expected to be formally framed after examination of medical and forensic reports.
Investigators will also record witness statements from family members and neighbours and examine mobile phone records and any CCTV footage in the area to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the killing, the SDPO indicated.
Local impact and community reaction
The case has drawn attention in the Argadda and Kuju locality, where neighbours described the couple as having frequent disputes, according to preliminary police enquiries. Authorities have urged residents with any information to approach Kuju police station to assist the ongoing probe.
No formal bail pleas or court proceedings had been reported up to Friday evening. The SIT will decide on further arrests or legal action depending on evidence gathered in the coming days.
