Ranchi, Jharkhand: In a significant breakthrough, police have arrested a woman and her nephew for their alleged involvement in the murder of a 40-year-old man, Ranjit Mahto, in Kadma village under the Khunti police station area. The incident took place on October 31, and the arrests were made following days of investigation and surveillance, officials confirmed on Friday.

Addressing the media, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Varun Rajak said that the accused — identified as Sugi Devi, the first wife of the deceased, and her nephew Sonu Mahto — were taken into custody after police gathered evidence linking them to the crime. The murder weapon, a sharp-edged knife, has also been recovered from their possession.

According to the police, initial inquiry suggests that domestic discord and emotional resentment were at the center of the crime. Ranjit had reportedly entered into a second marriage, a development that deeply angered and upset Sugi. Investigators said that she allegedly conspired with her nephew Sonu to eliminate Ranjit.

“Preliminary investigation has revealed that Sugi Devi was dissatisfied and enraged after Ranjit solemnized a second marriage. She, along with her nephew, planned the murder. We have arrested both of them and recovered the knife used in the crime. Raids are underway to nab two more persons involved,” SDPO Rajak stated.

Police sources said that Ranjit had been living with his second wife for several months, which had led to frequent disputes between the family members. On the night of the incident, the accused are believed to have confronted Ranjit and attacked him with the knife, leading to his death on the spot. Local villagers alerted police after discovering his body.

The body was sent for post-mortem examination at the Khunti district hospital. Meanwhile, officers noted that the remaining two suspects, believed to have assisted in planning or executing the murder, have fled the village. Search operations and raids are ongoing in multiple locations to track them down.

The incident has sparked discussions on marital disputes and rising cases of domestic violence-related crimes in rural Jharkhand. Police have stated that further interrogation of the arrested individuals may reveal more details about the crime and the involvement of the other accused.

Authorities have assured that all involved will be brought to justice and appealed to the public not to resort to violence in domestic or personal disputes.