Beed Farm Worker Allegedly Murders Wife, Attempts to Conceal Crime as Natural Death
In a shocking incident from Maharashtra's Beed district, a farm worker has been accused of brutally murdering his wife and then attempting to pass off the killing as a death due to a heart attack. The grim episode unfolded in Hatola Shivar, under the jurisdiction of the Bardapur police station in Ambajogai taluka, revealing a tragic tale of domestic discord that turned fatal.
Details of the Alleged Murder and Deception
The deceased has been identified as Sheelabai Sherphule, a 45-year-old woman originally from Alura village in Nanded. She lived with her husband, Suresh Sherphule, at a farmer's field in Hatola, where the couple had been embroiled in frequent arguments over recent days. According to police reports, the conflict centered on Suresh's insistence on returning to their native village, while Sheelabai was unwilling to leave, setting the stage for a violent confrontation.
On Friday, January 23, this disagreement allegedly escalated into a deadly altercation. In what authorities describe as a fit of rage, Suresh reportedly attacked Sheelabai with a thick wooden stick, repeatedly striking her on the head. She collapsed in a pool of blood and died on the spot, marking a brutal end to the marital strife.
Attempt to Mislead and Police Intervention
In a calculated move to conceal the crime, Suresh allegedly informed people in the vicinity and relatives in the village that Sheelabai had succumbed to a sudden heart attack. To further the deception, he hired a cruiser vehicle and transported the body to Alura village in Nanded, intending to perform the last rites and bury the evidence along with the victim.
However, the Bardapur police received confidential information raising suspicions about the nature of Sheelabai's death. Assistant inspector Kamble promptly alerted the Degloor police, leading to swift action. Sub-inspector Gopal Suryavanshi rushed to Alura village, where the police intervened just before the funeral could take place. They took custody of the body and detained Suresh Sherphule, preventing what could have been a successful cover-up.
Investigation and Official Statements
The body was subsequently sent to Swarat Hospital for a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death and gather forensic evidence. Beed superintendent of police Navneet Nawant commented on the case, stating, "The accused attempted to mislead relatives and villagers by claiming the woman died of a heart attack. Prompt coordination between Bardapur and Degloor police helped prevent the cremation and ensured that crucial evidence was preserved. A thorough investigation is underway, and strict action will be taken based on the findings."
Currently, the accused, Suresh Sherphule, is in the custody of the Bardapur police as the investigation progresses. This incident highlights the severe consequences of domestic disputes and the critical role of police vigilance in uncovering hidden crimes. The community in Beed and surrounding areas has been left in shock, with authorities emphasizing the importance of addressing such violent acts promptly to ensure justice for the victim.
