One held for woman’s murder

, August 24

The police have cracked the murder of a 63-year-old woman who was found dead under mysterious in Kuther village of Kundu Panchayat in Chowari subdivision. The victim, Kamla Devi, was a retired Jal Shakti Department Employee. The police said her body was found inside a government school compound on August 19.

Chowari Deputy Superintendent of Police Yograj Chandel said the victim was sexually assaulted before being strangulated to death. “The police have arrested one of the accused and the other, a juvenile is on the run,” said Chandel.

The police said after recovering the body, a complaint was lodged by Kamla Devi’s daughter, accusing her brother and sister in law of being involved in the crime. The police said they were both interrogated; however, no evidence emerged to suggest their role in the crime. With help from feedback given by local residents and evidence gathered from the spot, the police were finally able to zero in on the two suspects.

The police said the arrested man has been identified as Rakesh of Kuther village and the absconding juvenile belong to the same village. Chandel said on the day of the crime, the two accused were present at a community feast organised at a local temple. He said after helping with cleaning work, they consumed liquor and were returning home when they encountered Kamla Devi. The victim, who was reportedly a habitual drinker, was also in an inebriated state at the time.

The police said the accused forcibly took Kamla Devi to the premises of the government school. There, the juvenile allegedly sexually assaulted her while Rakesh stood by. Fearing Kamla Devi would reveal their crime, they strangled her to death and fled.

During the initial questioning, Rakesh allegedly confessed to the crime in front of local representatives and was arrested. A local court has sent him to four days of police remand.

The DSP said a manhunt is on to nab the other accused. He added it has also come to light the juvenile had a tiff with the victim’s son a few days ago and revenge angle is being probed.