Ex-Patna panchayat head found dead near tubewell, family alleges murder
Synopsis
A former panchayat head with multiple criminal cases against him was found dead near a tubewell in rural Patna — no injury marks, no confirmed cause of death, and a family crying murder. With protesters blocking a key road and arson reported, what began as a village-level discovery has quickly become a law-and-order crisis for Bihta police.
Key Takeaways
Former Rahu Panchayat Mukhiya Sanjay Kumar Yadav was found dead near a tubewell in Raghopur village, Patna , on 10 July .
Family members allege murder and claim the body was dumped to conceal the crime.
No external injury marks were found in the preliminary examination; cause of death awaits post-mortem and FSL findings.
Protesters blocked the Bikram–Bihta main road ; some resorted to arson , prompting police deployment.
SHO Amit Kumar confirmed Yadav had multiple criminal cases, including under the Arms Act , and was absconding at the time of death.
Security has been tightened; all angles including homicide are under investigation.
Former Rahu Panchayat Mukhiya Sanjay Kumar Yadav was found dead under suspicious circumstances near a tubewell in Raghopur village, under the Bihta police station area of Patna district, on the morning of Friday, 10 July. The discovery has sparked tension in the locality, with family members alleging murder and residents staging a road blockade in protest.
How the Body Was Discovered
Local residents heading to nearby agricultural fields spotted the body lying close to the tubewell and promptly alerted the Bihta Police Station as well as the victim's family. A police team arrived quickly, secured the scene, and launched a preliminary investigation. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team from Patna was also summoned to collect scientific evidence from the site.
Family Alleges Murder, Demands Action
The family of Sanjay Kumar Yadav has alleged that he was killed and that his body was deliberately dumped near the field to conceal the crime. They have demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible. Family members and local residents together staged a blockade of the Bikram–Bihta main road in protest. Some demonstrators reportedly resorted to arson during the agitation, prompting police to deploy additional personnel to restore order.
What Police Have Said
Bihta Station House Officer (SHO) Amit Kumar stated that the exact cause of death has not yet been established. No obvious external injury marks were found on the body during the preliminary examination, and investigators are awaiting forensic findings and the post-mortem report. 'A police team reached the spot after receiving information about the incident and is investigating the matter. The Patna FSL team has also been informed. We are examining whether it is a case of murder or something else,' SHO Amit Kumar said. He added that police have not ruled out any possibility and are probing the case from multiple angles, including homicide.
Victim's Criminal Background Under Scrutiny
According to police, Sanjay Kumar Yadav had several criminal cases registered against him, including offences under the Arms Act, and had been absconding in connection with multiple cases at the time of his death. Investigators are examining whether these pending cases bear any link to the circumstances of his death, while also exploring other potential motives. Notably, the combination of a former elected local official, a criminal record, and a suspicious death in a rural setting reflects a pattern seen in several Bihar districts in recent years.
What Happens Next
Security has been tightened across the area to prevent further unrest. The post-mortem examination, forensic analysis, and other evidence gathered from the scene are expected to be decisive in determining how Sanjay Kumar Yadav died. The investigation remains open, with police yet to name any suspects or establish a definitive cause of death.
Point of View
But the speed and credibility of the FSL and post-mortem process will determine whether this becomes a flashpoint or a footnote. The road blockade and arson signal that community trust in local law enforcement is already strained. If investigators are seen to be slow or opaque, the unrest is unlikely to stay contained.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sanjay Kumar Yadav and where was he found dead?
Sanjay Kumar Yadav was the former Mukhiya of Rahu Panchayat in Patna district, Bihar. His body was found near a tubewell in Raghopur village under the Bihta police station area on the morning of 10 July.
What is the alleged cause of death?
The cause of death has not yet been officially established. The family alleges murder and claims the body was dumped near the field to hide the crime, but police say no obvious external injury marks were found in the preliminary examination and are awaiting the post-mortem report and FSL findings.
Why did residents block the Bikram–Bihta road?
Residents and family members staged a road blockade on the Bikram–Bihta main road to protest the suspicious death of the former Mukhiya and demand a thorough investigation. Some protesters also reportedly resorted to arson during the demonstration.
Did Sanjay Kumar Yadav have a criminal record?
Yes. According to police, Sanjay Kumar Yadav had several criminal cases registered against him, including offences under the Arms Act, and had been absconding in connection with multiple cases at the time of his death. Investigators are examining whether these cases are linked to his death.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Police have not ruled out any possibility and are investigating from multiple angles, including homicide. A Patna FSL team has been called to examine the scene, and the post-mortem examination is pending. Security has been tightened in the area to prevent further unrest.
