In a disturbing case driven by superstition and vengeance, police in Bihar's Katihar district have arrested a 65-year-old man for allegedly murdering an elderly village priest. The crime took place on November 2 in Kharsota village, situated within the jurisdiction of the Azamnagar police station, where the body of priest Hiralal Mandal was found hanging from a tree. Investigation revealed that the suspect held the priest responsible for the death of his infant grandson, prompting him to plot the brutal killing.
A Deadly Conspiracy Fueled by Superstition
According to police findings, the suspect, identified as Anantlal Mandal, had lost his six-month-old grandson approximately a year ago. Following the child's tragic demise, Anantlal grew convinced that priest Hiralal Mandal had performed black magic or witchcraft on the infant. Driven by this unfounded suspicion and a desire for revenge, he formulated a plan to eliminate the priest. Investigators stated that Anantlal enlisted his two sons, Rinku Mandal and Shambhu Mandal, to help execute the fatal plot.
Stranglehold, Stabbing, and Mutilation
On November 2, the assailants ambushed Hiralal Mandal. Reports indicate that they first strangled the elderly priest before stabbing him with a knife to ensure his death. In an attempt to give the crime a gruesome appearance and disguise it under the guise of a tantric ritual, the perpetrators severed the victim's tongue. They then hoisted his body onto a tree, attempting to portray the murder as a mysterious or ritualistic death.
Formation of SIT and Arrest of Main Accused
Recognizing the gravity of the incident, senior police authorities immediately formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to solve the case. Providing details of the operation, DSP Manglesh Kumar stated that intensive questioning and local inquiry pointed towards Anantlal Mandal. Upon being taken into custody and subjected to detailed interrogation, the 65-year-old confessed to his involvement in the crime.
Recovery of Weapon and Search for Co-Accused
Based on information provided by Anantlal during interrogation, officers recovered the knife used in the assault alongside the victim's broken rudraksha bead necklace, which had snapped during the violent struggle. While the primary accused is currently in custody, police teams are conducting active raids to apprehend his absconding sons, Rinku Mandal and Shambhu Mandal. Law enforcement officials assured that all remaining suspects involved in the heinous act will be brought to justice swiftly.
