Three Arrested in Ranchi for Alleged Torture and Murder of Teenage Domestic Help
In a shocking incident in Ranchi, police have arrested three persons, including a woman, on charges of alleged torture and murder of a 16-year-old girl who worked as a domestic help. The arrests were made on Saturday night in connection with the death of Khushboo Kumari, a resident of Umedanda, whose body was discovered under suspicious circumstances in Manatu.
Victim Found Dead After Alleged Bathroom Accident
Khushboo Kumari had been employed as a domestic worker at the residence of Sushma Kumari, a child development project supervisor, for the past four years. On Saturday, Sushma arrived at the girl's home with her body, claiming that Khushboo had slipped in the bathroom and died. However, this explanation was met with immediate skepticism from locals.
Protests and Police Investigation Uncover Evidence
Local residents staged a protest at the Kanke police station, alleging that the girl was murdered. They pointed to visible rope marks on her body as evidence of foul play. Responding to the outcry, police launched a swift investigation.
ASP Sakshi Jamuar confirmed on Sunday that Sushma Kumari, her brother Santosh Kumar Das, and her driver Pradeep Barla were arrested on Saturday night for the murder. During the investigation, police seized several items believed to have been used in the crime, including scissors, a lathi (stick), rope, and adhesive tape.
Allegations of Captivity and Inhumane Treatment
According to police statements, Sushma had taken Khushboo to her home under the promise of providing care. However, a dispute reportedly arose between the girl's family and Sushma over financial and other unresolved issues. ASP Jamuar revealed that Sushma had kept Khushboo in captivity and treated her inhumanely, leading to the tragic outcome.
The murder is believed to have occurred on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. In an attempt to mislead authorities, the accused visited multiple hospitals with the body before ultimately returning it to the victim's family.
Motives and Judicial Proceedings
During interrogation, the accused claimed that the girl had started misbehaving, though police have not confirmed this as the definitive motive. "The exact reason for the murder, however, would be revealed after thorough investigation," stated ASP Jamuar. All three accused were sent to judicial custody on Sunday as the investigation continues.
This case has highlighted concerns over the treatment of domestic workers and the need for stricter oversight. Police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward as they work to uncover the full details of this distressing incident.
