Woman Brutally Murdered with Axe in Chatra Forest While Collecting Mahua Flowers
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples of fear through the community, the body of a 50-year-old woman was discovered in a forest near her village in Chatra district. The victim, identified as Geeta Devi, was allegedly hacked to death with an axe while she was out collecting mahua flowers on Monday. Her lifeless body was found early on Tuesday morning, following an extensive search operation conducted by police and local villagers.
Timeline of the Tragic Event
According to police reports, Geeta Devi, a resident of Narayan Bandh Tola under the Kishunpur locality, left her home around 3 pm on Monday to gather mahua flowers from the nearby forest. When she failed to return by evening, her family grew concerned and initiated a search in the surrounding areas. Unable to locate her, they promptly reported her disappearance to the Sadar police station.
Subsequently, a joint search operation was launched by police personnel and villagers, combing through the dense forest terrain. Around 1 am on Tuesday, her body was discovered under a mahua tree, revealing a scene of extreme violence. Police officials stated that the assailants had inflicted multiple deep strikes on her neck with an axe, nearly severing it from the torso, indicating a level of brutality that has horrified the local community. The attackers fled the scene after committing the crime, leaving behind a blood-stained axe, which was recovered by authorities from the spot.
Police Investigation and Community Impact
Sadar police station officer in-charge Awadhesh Kumar Singh confirmed that the body has been sent to Sadar Hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death and gather forensic evidence. In a statement, Singh emphasized, "Several evidences have been collected from the spot, and raids are underway to arrest the accused. The case is being investigated from all possible angles to ensure justice is served."
The incident has instilled a deep sense of fear among villagers, particularly women who frequently venture into forests during the mahua collection season. This annual activity, which is crucial for many households for both sustenance and income, has now become a source of anxiety due to the brutal nature of this murder. Local authorities are urging residents to exercise caution and are considering increased patrols in forested areas to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the investigation progresses, police are analyzing the recovered evidence and following leads to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The community awaits answers, hoping for swift action to restore a sense of safety in the region.
