Koderma Woman Found Dead; Family Alleges Murder as In-Laws Flee

Koderma (IANS): Panic gripped Nandodih village on Wednesday after a 25-year-old woman, identified as Archana Kumari, was found dead under suspicious circumstances. Following the discovery, her family lodged a formal murder complaint against her husband and in-laws, who have since fled the area.

Allegations of Foul Play and Harassment

Archana married Santosh Kumar Pandit in 2018; the couple had two daughters. Although the marriage remained stable for years, her brother, Anil Pandit, alleged that Archana faced severe harassment in recent months. He claimed that despite multiple attempts to settle marital disputes amicably, the mistreatment continued.

The family reportedly received a phone call from Archana’s sister-in-law on Wednesday morning claiming the victim’s health had suddenly deteriorated. However, when relatives arrived at the Nandodih residence, they discovered Archana’s body lying near the bathroom.

The family pointed to several disturbing factors:

• Physical Trauma: Visible marks around Archana’s neck led relatives to believe she was strangled.
• Evidence Tampering: The family suspects the accused moved the body to the bathroom to stage an accident and conceal the crime.

Police Launch Probe as Accused Abscond

Immediately following the incident, Santosh Pandit and his family members decamped. Jainagar Police Station in-charge Vikas Kumar arrived at the scene with a team, took custody of the body, and transported it to Sadar Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

“We are probing the case from all angles,” stated a police official, noting that the medical report will determine the official cause of death. Meanwhile, the grieving family has demanded that authorities immediately arrest the absconding husband and in-laws and ensure strict legal action.