Wife and Lover Arrested for Murdering Husband to Secure Government Job

A wife and her lover have been arrested for murdering her husband in order to secure a government job. The incident took place in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. The victim, Manglesh Pal (also known as 'Happi'), was an employee of Central Coalfields Limited. Police have arrested his wife, 23-year-old Sonali Kumari (alias Neetu), and her lover, Kaushik Kumar. Kaushik Kumar is the son of Sonali’s maternal aunt. A minor, who was also involved in the murder, has been sent to an observation home.
The incident came to light on October 18. In her initial statement to the police, Sonali claimed that intruders had broken into their home, tied her up, and then hacked her husband to death. However, the circumstances at the scene and inconsistencies in Sonali’s statements aroused the police's suspicion.
Subsequently, following instructions from the Hazaribagh Superintendent of Police (SP), a special investigation team was formed under the leadership of the Barkagaon Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO). The shocking details emerged following a scientific investigation—conducted with the assistance of forensic experts and a dog squad—as well as the interrogation of the suspects while in custody. The police stated that Sonali orchestrated the murder to secure a job through a compassionate appointment following her husband's death, and to marry her lover, Kaushik. To this end, she attacked and killed Manglesh—who was asleep at the time—using a traditional weapon called a 'dauli' and a knife. After the murder, Sonali tied her own hands and feet and concocted a false story in an attempt to mislead the police.

Acting on information provided by the accused, the police recovered the blood-stained weapons used in the murder, the cloths used to destroy evidence, and the remnants of mobile phones that had been set on fire. A case has been registered at the Jiddi Police Station based on a complaint filed by the sister of the deceased, Manglesh, and further legal proceedings are underway.