JANAKPURDHAM, Madhesh Province – Police in Dhanusha District have taken a man into custody after his 20-year-old wife was found dead at their home, as relatives and local residents protested, alleging murder and obstructing the collection of the body for post-mortem examination.
Priyanka Das, a 20-year-old woman, was discovered deceased on Sunday evening in her bedroom in Kapilashwor, Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City-16. Her husband, Vinod Das, reported to police that he found her hanging from a ceiling fan with a shawl around 6:50 PM. He subsequently removed her body and placed it on the bed, according to preliminary information provided to the police.
Husband taken into custody amid murder allegations
The incident immediately sparked suspicion among Priyanka Das’s relatives and local residents. Relatives and local residents allege her death was murder, not suicide, and have protested against the police administration. They demanded a thorough and impartial investigation and public disclosure of all facts surrounding her death. These demonstrations began late Sunday night and continued throughout Monday, significantly impeding police efforts to carry out legal procedures at the scene.
In response to the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and the strong allegations from the community, the District Police Office, Dhanusha, Nepal’s local law enforcement body, has taken Vinod Das, the deceased’s husband, into custody. He is currently undergoing initial questioning due to his suspicious role in the incident. A police team from the Kapilashwor Police Post was dispatched to the scene immediately after receiving the report and has since secured the area to preserve any potential evidence.
Protests hinder police procedures at the scene
The ongoing protests by locals and relatives have created significant operational challenges for law enforcement officials. As of Monday, police had been unable to complete the necessary ‘muuchulka’ (inquest report) for the body. This report is a crucial legal document that must be prepared at the scene before the body can be officially moved for post-mortem examination. The protestors have demanded the immediate arrest and legal action against those they suspect are responsible for Priyanka Das’s death. They have asserted that the incident suggests murder rather than a self-inflicted death.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Om Prakash Khanal, spokesperson for the District Police Office, Dhanusha, informed reporters that despite ongoing local obstruction and public pressure, police personnel are engaged at the scene. Their primary objective is to complete the inquest report and prepare the body for its transfer to the Provincial Hospital in Janakpurdham, where the post-mortem examination will be conducted.
Investigation ongoing, post-mortem report crucial for clarity
As part of the ongoing investigation, police are scrutinizing Vinod Das’s initial statement, comparing it with the conditions observed at the crime scene. The post-mortem report is expected to be crucial to the investigation, as it will provide vital information regarding the cause and nature of her death.
DSP Khanal reiterated their commitment to the investigation, confirming that they intend to complete the inquest procedures and send the body for post-mortem on Monday. He emphasized that the true cause of death and whether others were involved would only become clear after the post-mortem report and further investigation.
