Ranchi: A shocking case from Jharkhand’s capital has come to light, where a minor girl was allegedly murdered by a man and his son over fears of “social stigma”. In an attempt to wipe out evidence, the accused reportedly took her body to Gaya in Bihar and cremated it in secret.
The case began as a missing person complaint from the Ratu area but soon turned into a murder investigation, revealing a deeply disturbing crime carried out within a household.
Police said the main accused, Subodh Pathak, a resident of Jhakhra Tand in Ratu, had brought the girl from a poor family around eight years ago and raised her like his daughter. Her sudden disappearance a few days ago, however, raised suspicion. When neighbours questioned the family, their unclear answers only deepened doubts.
On the night of April 2, tensions rose as villagers gathered outside the house, suspecting foul play. Police stepped in, conducted a search with a forensic team, but initially found no solid clues.
An FIR was lodged on April 3, following which a special investigation team was formed under the Ranchi SSP. Using technical surveillance and leads, police detained Subodh Pathak and his son Rahul Pathak for questioning.
During interrogation, both allegedly confessed. They told police that the girl was killed inside their home and her body was later transported in a hired ambulance to Gaya, where it was cremated to destroy evidence.
Investigators said the accused cited “lok-laj” — fear of social disgrace — as the reason behind the crime. The girl had reportedly developed contact through Instagram with Rahul’s brother-in-law, which later turned into a close relationship, triggering anger within the family.
Police have seized the ambulance used in the incident. Its driver, Pintu Kumar Singh, told officials that he was informed a “13-year-old daughter” had died and was hired to take the body to Gaya for last rites.
Two mobile phones have also been recovered from the accused and are being examined for further evidence.
Both accused have been arrested and sent to judicial custody. Police said the investigation is ongoing to establish the complete chain of events.
With inputs from IANS