A woman's half-burnt body was found in her Dhanbad home days after her death, with police probing conflicting statements from her brothers. The body, lying for days, was partially burnt by elder brother, who claimed he was performing last rites. Other brother denied seeing the body. The case came to light after neighbours reported a foul smell
In a shocking case from Jharkhand’s Dhanbad, police recovered a woman’s half-burnt body from her home, raising serious questions. The incident took place in a house located in the Vastu Vihar residential colony. The body was found inside the bathroom after neighbours complained of a strong foul smell coming from the house. The smell had become so intense that residents found it difficult to stay nearby and informed the police.
Body remained in house for days
Police said the woman had died around April 8, but her body remained inside the house for nearly five days. During this time, the body started to decompose and was infested with worms, according to a report by India Today.
According to officials, the woman’s elder brother later tried to burn the body inside the bathroom using household items such as a pillow, quilt and blanket. However, the body was only partially burnt.
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Police begin investigation
Govindpur police reached the house after receiving information from locals. They recovered the half-burnt body and sent it for post-mortem.
Station in-charge Vishnu Kumar Raut said that further details about the cause of death will be known only after the report is received. Police have started a detailed investigation into the matter.
Woman lived alone, faced ,mental health, issues
The house belonged to Sangeet Kumar, a retired scientist from the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR), who passed away in 2023.
His daughter, Lipika, who was divorced, had been living alone in the house. According to police, she had been suffering from depression for a long time. Family members were also said to be socially withdrawn and did not maintain regular contact with others.
Brothers give conflicting statements
The case has become more puzzling due to differences in the statements of the woman’s brothers.
Elder brother Pranav claimed that Lipika died after her health suddenly worsened. He said she had been going to the bathroom repeatedly before she passed away. He added that he informed his younger brother, but no one came or took the matter seriously.
Pranav said that due to the condition of the body, he tried to burn it as part of last rites.
However, he also claimed that another brother had seen the body during this time.
Younger brother denies claims
On the other hand, younger brother Prabuddha Rajvardhan denied seeing the body. He said he came to the house later with materials for the funeral, but was told that the last rites had already been performed.
He also said there was no foul smell at that time, which raises further questions.
Another brother, Pradyut Rajyavardhan, also denied seeing the body, contradicting Pranav’s claims.
Probe continues
Police are now examining all statements carefully. Officials said the truth will become clearer after the post-mortem report and further investigation.
The case has shocked locals and raised concerns about mental health, family isolation and lack of timely help.
