Jharkhand News : A court in Jharkhand has sentenced a man to rigorous life imprisonment for brutally murdering his eight-year-old daughter in a shocking act driven by superstition and his desire for a son. The verdict comes six years after the horrifying incident that shook Lohardaga district.
The court of Principal District and Sessions Judge Rajkamal Mishra at the Lohardaga Civil Court convicted the accused, Suman Nagesia, of murdering his only daughter. On Tuesday, the court sentenced him to rigorous life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹20,000.
According to Public Prosecutor Bharat Ram, the case dates back to November 11, 2020, in the Pesharar police station area. Suman Nagesia had only one child—a daughter—but desperately wanted a son. His obsession allegedly led him into the grip of superstition.
Investigators said the accused came into contact with Demch Nagesia, a self-styled occult practitioner who allegedly convinced him that sacrificing his daughter would ensure the birth of a son. Influenced by superstition and ignorance, Suman allegedly believed the claim and planned the murder.
On the day of the incident, the accused’s wife, Phulmania Nagesia, had gone out for work, leaving the father alone with their eight-year-old daughter. Taking advantage of her absence, Suman allegedly attacked the child with an axe, killing her on the spot.
The gruesome crime sent shockwaves through the village. After learning about the incident, villagers informed the police. Phulmania Nagesia subsequently lodged a murder complaint against her husband at Pesharar Police Station.
Police registered the case as Case No. 14/2020, arrested the accused during the investigation, and recovered the blood-stained axe allegedly used in the murder. After collecting evidence, investigators filed a chargesheet before the court.
During the trial, the prosecution examined 11 witnesses, including the victim’s mother, the doctor who conducted the medical examination, and the investigating officer. After reviewing the evidence and hearing arguments from both sides, the court found the charges proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Convicting Suman Nagesia under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and other applicable provisions, the court sentenced him to rigorous life imprisonment along with a fine of ₹20,000.
The verdict brings long-awaited justice for the young girl, who fell victim to her father’s superstition and obsession with having a male child.
