A horrific incident of domestic violence in Chhattisgarh culminated in a double tragedy over the weekend, leaving a family shattered and a village in mourning. The events unfolded in Kunwardalli village of Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district, where a drunken altercation spiraled into fatal violence.
A Night of Drunken Rage Turns Violent
According to police, the accused, identified as Santaram Uike, 48, lived with his wife, Shanti Bai, in a small hut on the outskirts of the village. The couple earned their livelihood by making bricks. On Friday night, Santaram returned home in an inebriated state and picked a quarrel with his wife. The argument quickly escalated, and he allegedly subjected her to a brutal assault.
Son's Intervention Ends in Fatal Shooting
Hearing the commotion, alarmed neighbours informed the couple's son, Shekhar Uike, 22. Shekhar rushed to the hut and confronted his father, demanding to know why he had beaten his mother. In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, Shekhar tried to pacify his father and sat with his injured mother behind the hut.
However, the situation took a deadly turn within minutes. Consumed by rage, Santaram allegedly fetched his country-made muzzle-loading gun. He then fired at his son at point-blank range. Shekhar succumbed to his injuries on the spot. His mother, Shanti Bai, was also hit by pellet splinters from the blast and collapsed.
Aftermath and a Grim Discovery
Villagers immediately rushed both victims to a nearby hospital. Doctors declared Shekhar dead upon arrival. Shanti Bai is currently undergoing treatment and is reported to be out of danger.
Following the shooting, Santaram fled the scene. A joint search operation by the police and villagers continued through Saturday. Late on Saturday night, the search ended with a grim discovery: Santaram was found dead near his hut. Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki police indicated that the accused likely died by suicide, possibly after sobering up and realizing the gravity of his actions.
The police have registered a case and are investigating the sequence of events in detail. The incident has sent shockwaves through the quiet village, highlighting the devastating consequences of domestic disputes and alcohol-fueled violence.
