Wedding Celebration Turns Tragic as Aunt Allegedly Kills One-Year-Old Nephew in Nalanda Village
What began as a joyous family gathering in anticipation of a wedding in Nalanda district has descended into profound grief and shock. In a heartbreaking incident, a one-year-old boy was allegedly killed by his maternal aunt in Chulihari village under the Asthawan police station area late on Thursday night. The accused, identified as Sumantri Devi, has been arrested by police and has reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation.
Family Gathering for Wedding Ends in Unimaginable Loss
The victim, Karu Kumar, was the son of Raju Paswan from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh. He had traveled to his maternal grandparents' house in Chulihari village with his mother, Aarti Devi, to attend the wedding of her brother, Dilkhush Paswan, which was scheduled for April 21. The family had been immersed in preparations for the upcoming celebrations, with the atmosphere initially filled with excitement and anticipation.
Dispute Over Missing Mobile Phone Sparks Tension
According to police officials and family members, tension began to build in the household earlier on the day of the incident. The conflict reportedly stemmed from Sumantri Devi allegedly misplacing her mobile phone. In a tragic turn, she suspected her sister-in-law, Aarti Devi, of stealing the device. This suspicion quickly escalated into a heated and intense argument between the two women, casting a shadow over the wedding preparations.
Child Goes Missing from Locked House
Later that night, the situation took a devastating turn when the one-year-old boy, who had been sleeping in a room, suddenly went missing. With the house securely locked from the inside, family members grew increasingly alarmed and suspicious. They immediately initiated a frantic search for the child, scouring both the interior of the home and the surrounding premises in a desperate attempt to locate him.
Body Discovered in Nearby Pond
During their search, the family made a horrifying discovery. They found the boy's body floating in a nearby pond, sending shockwaves through the entire community. The joyous wedding preparations had now been completely overshadowed by an unspeakable tragedy.
Police Investigation and Confession
Asthawan Station House Officer Uttam Kumar stated that the maternal aunt, Sumantri Devi, quickly came under suspicion during the initial police inquiry. "During questioning, she confessed to strangling the child and then throwing the body into the pond in an attempt to conceal the crime," SHO Kumar revealed. This confession has provided crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Postmortem
Police authorities have taken swift action following the incident. The child's body has been sent to a government hospital for a comprehensive postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Investigators are examining the case from all possible angles, gathering additional evidence and statements to build a strong legal case against the accused.
Community in Shock Over Senseless Tragedy
The entire village of Chulihari and surrounding areas have been left reeling from this senseless act of violence. What should have been a time of celebration and family unity has instead become a period of mourning and unanswered questions. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly domestic disputes can escalate into irreversible tragedies, with the most vulnerable family members often paying the ultimate price.
As the investigation continues, police are working to ensure that justice is served for the young victim and his grieving family. The wedding that was meant to bring the family together has instead become the backdrop for one of the most heartbreaking crimes the region has witnessed in recent memory.
