Palamu, Jharkhand: Police have arrested four accused, including a man described as a habitual criminal, in connection with the murder of a 30-year-old Sahiya (community health worker) in Palamu district. According to police, the woman was allegedly robbed, gang-raped and strangled to death in an attempt to conceal her identity.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Dipranjan Pandey alias Chhotu alias Karu, 22, son of Rakesh Pandey alias Tuna Pandey, a resident of Rajhara in the Nawabazar police station area; Rohit Pandey, 24, son of Tarun Pandey, originally from Chaura in Lesliganj and currently residing in Rajhara; Akash Shukla alias Bhulan Shukla, 26, son of Ajay Shukla; and Vicky Paswan alias Vikas Paswan, 25, son of Rajesh Paswan, a resident of Lohri in Padwa.
Police recovered two motorcycles, mobile phones, jewellery allegedly looted from the victim and a rope reportedly used in the murder.
Woman’s Body Found Near Her Home
According to the police account, the woman went out to watch Durga Puja celebrations on the night of October 20 and was allegedly abducted. Her body was found in a paddy field near her home on the afternoon of October 21.
Given the seriousness of the crime, Palamu Superintendent of Police Kapil Chaudhary ordered the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) under the leadership of Bishrampur Sub-Divisional Police Officer Chiranjiv Mandal.
Police Investigation Leads to Four Arrests
The SP said on Saturday that four suspects were brought to the police station for questioning during the investigation.
According to the police, the accused had allegedly planned to commit robberies along the national highway after visiting a Durga Puja pandal on Dussehra. They reportedly set out on the night of October 20 to carry out the plan.
During the journey, they allegedly encountered the woman alone, took her towards a field and robbed her of her jewellery. Police said the accused then allegedly gang-raped her.
When the woman reportedly recognised the accused and raised an alarm, they allegedly assaulted her and strangled her to death to prevent identification.
Police said the four were arrested following questioning and the investigation. The allegations and the evidence collected will be subject to further legal proceedings.
Previous Cases Against Some Accused
Police records reportedly show that the main accused, Dipranjan Pandey alias Chhotu, had several cases registered against him at Nawabazar police station between 2023 and 2025, including cases involving assault, theft and other offences.
Cases have also reportedly been registered against Akash Shukla at Sadar and Nawabazar police stations.
Vicky Paswan alias Vikas Paswan is also reported to have faced several previous cases relating to theft and stolen property at Padwa, Shahpur and Garhwa town police stations.
Police Team Conducts Coordinated Operation
The police team involved in the operation included SDPO Chiranjiv Mandal; trainee Deputy Superintendent of Police and Bishrampur Station House Officer Mrityunjay Gop; Nawabazar Station House Officer Sanjay Kumar Yadav; Circle Inspector Ramashish Paswan of the Pandu Camp, Rehla; Nawagarha Outpost In-Charge Sushil Oraon; and Padwa Station House Officer Anchit Kumar.
Personnel from Nawabazar, Bishrampur and Padwa police stations also participated in the operation.
The investigation is continuing, with police examining the evidence recovered and other circumstances surrounding the crime. The arrested accused will face further legal proceedings in accordance with the law.
