The Discovery That Shook a Quiet Jharkhand Village
In the serene village of Darua Tola in Palamu district, Jharkhand, life typically moves at a slow, predictable pace. For Anita Devi, a homemaker in her 40s, the daily highlight was a phone call from her firstborn daughter, Priyanka, a ritual that had continued since Priyanka's marriage in 2019. However, on December 28, when Anita did not receive that call, a sense of unease began to creep in, setting off a chain of events that would uncover a horrifying crime.
A Father's Desperate Search
After two days of silence, Anita's anxiety grew, prompting her husband, Dwarika Mehta, to investigate. Dwarika, a welder working in Korba, Chhattisgarh, traveled to Tukbera village, about 35-40 kilometers from his home, following leads about his daughter's whereabouts. There, he watched as workers dug into an agricultural plot, his heart heavy with dread. Initially, the excavation revealed only the carcass of a dog, offering a fleeting moment of relief. But Dwarika, driven by a father's intuition, insisted on digging deeper. Soon, a human leg emerged, confirming his worst fears: it was Priyanka's body.
The Tragic Life of Priyanka Devi
Priyanka, a 25-year-old woman described by her father as soft-spoken and ever-smiling, had married Ranjit in 2019. Initially, the marriage seemed promising, with Ranjit supporting her education by helping her enroll in a BA course and providing transportation to college. However, the relationship soured over time, marred by escalating dowry demands and instances of abuse. Priyanka faced regular beatings and was often locked out of her home, forcing her to work as a laborer in fields to survive. Despite her parents' advice to leave, Priyanka remained steadfast, declaring, "my sasural is my only home. I will not leave it, even if I die there."
The Sinister Plot Unfolds
Investigations revealed that the murder plot was meticulously planned. After Chhath Puja in November, tensions escalated when Priyanka had a fight with her mother-in-law, Basanti Devi. Ranjit allegedly decided that Priyanka had to be eliminated and conspired with Guddi Devi, a woman he had been having an affair with. Guddi arranged for a pit to be dug near her agricultural field under the guise of irrigation, using a JCB operator named Nandlal Vishwakarma. The plan involved hiring contract killers, with Ranjit's family selling land to fund the crime.
On December 28, Priyanka was rendered unconscious using a liquid substance purchased by Guddi, then strangled with a muffler in Guddi's village. To cover up the crime, Guddi poisoned her own dog, which was barking incessantly, and buried it in the same pit to mask any foul smells. This macabre detail initially misled searchers, but persistent efforts by villagers led to the grim discovery.
Community Outcry and Legal Proceedings
The murder has sent shockwaves through the region, with residents of Darua Tola and surrounding villages reeling from the brutality. Key accused, including Ranjit, Guddi, and several accomplices, have been arrested and are currently lodged in Daltonganj jail. However, villagers allege that police are under pressure to release some suspects due to the family's influence, prompting plans for protests to demand justice. Priyanka's father, Dwarika, vows to continue fighting, stating, "I will ensure that my daughter gets justice."
Broader Implications and Social Issues
This case highlights deep-seated issues in rural Jharkhand, including domestic violence, dowry demands, and economic pressures. Priyanka's story underscores the vulnerabilities faced by women in traditional communities, where early marriages and limited support systems can lead to tragic outcomes. The involvement of multiple individuals in the plot reflects a disturbing normalization of violence, while the community's response shows a growing demand for accountability and change.
As evening falls in Darua Tola, Anita Devi moves through her courtyard, haunted by memories of her daughter. She recalls seeing Priyanka's body in the pit, still wearing the same woollen sweater from winters past. The village, once defined by its quiet rhythm, is now united in grief and determination, seeking closure and justice for a life cut short by betrayal and cruelty.
