Dhanbad: A Hindu priest was found dead at his residence in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district on Thursday, with police suspecting that he was strangled and attacked with a sharp-edged weapon.
The deceased, identified as Munna Pandey, also known as Munna Pandit, was found inside his house in Amatand, under the jurisdiction of Katras police station. Police have launched an investigation, but the exact circumstances of his death and the identity of those responsible remain unknown.
According to preliminary information, Pandey served as a priest at the Lilori Sthan temple and lived alone in Amatand. Local residents grew suspicious after noticing no activity at his house on Thursday and alerted the police.
A team from Katras police station reached the spot and found the body inside the house. Ajit Kumar Vimal, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Baghmara, also visited the scene to review the situation.
During an initial examination, police observed marks on the deceased’s neck suggesting possible strangulation, along with injuries that appeared to have been caused by a sharp-edged weapon. The exact cause of death will need to be established through further investigation and medical examination.
Police examine possible motives
Investigators inspected the house and surrounding area and began collecting evidence. Police are examining all possible angles to establish the sequence of events and identify the suspected assailants. Forensic experts and a dog squad may be brought in if required.
Pandey’s family members have been informed of his death. Police are investigating whether the suspected killing was linked to personal enmity, robbery or another motive. No clear information about the alleged perpetrators has emerged so far.
SDPO Ajit Kumar Vimal said the incident appeared to be a murder at first glance and that investigators were examining all aspects of the case.
The incident has caused anger among local residents, who have urged the police to identify and arrest those responsible. Police said the investigation was continuing to determine the motive and establish the circumstances surrounding the priest’s death.
-IANS