Nawada murder: Woman, 60, killed in robbery, residents block road
Synopsis
A 60-year-old woman living alone was found murdered in her home in Nawada, Bihar, with over ₹10 lakh allegedly looted. The killing has triggered road blockades and protests — and raised an uncomfortable question about whether the perpetrators specifically targeted her because she lived without family nearby.
Key Takeaways
Rajkumari Devi , approximately 60 years old , was found murdered inside her home in Nardiha village , Nawada district , on Saturday morning .
Valuables worth more than ₹10 lakh are allegedly missing; the final figure is yet to be confirmed by police.
The victim lived alone; most family members reside outside the village and her son works in Dubai .
Investigators are examining whether the accused had prior knowledge that she lived alone and had conducted surveillance.
Residents blocked Nardiganj Road and protested, demanding immediate arrests and stronger local security; arson was also reported during the demonstration.
No arrests had been made at the time of reporting.
A 60-year-old woman was found murdered inside her home in Nardiha village, Nawada district, Bihar, on Saturday morning, triggering widespread anger among residents who took to the streets demanding immediate arrests. The victim, identified as Rajkumari Devi, lived alone and was discovered dead after neighbours grew concerned when her door remained shut for an unusually long period.
How the body was discovered
Neighbours called out to Rajkumari Devi on Saturday morning after noticing her door had been closed far longer than usual and received no response. Police were alerted and arrived to find her dead inside the house. The body was taken into custody for post-mortem examination, while investigators began combing the crime scene and questioning local residents.
Robbery angle and investigation
Preliminary investigation suggests valuables worth more than ₹10 lakh may have been looted from the house, though police have not yet confirmed the final figure. The exact amount will be established once Rajkumari Devi's family members — most of whom live outside the village, including her son who is employed in Dubai — arrive and provide details of property kept in the house.
Investigators are examining whether the accused had prior knowledge that the woman lived alone, and whether the house was specifically targeted following surveillance. The number of persons involved and the sequence of events leading to the murder are also being established, according to reports.
Residents protest, road blocked
News of the killing sparked fury in Nardiha village. Residents blocked Nardiganj Road and raised slogans against the police and local administration, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible and stronger security measures in the area. There were also reports of arson during the protest, though details remain unconfirmed.
Residents expressed particular concern over the vulnerability of elderly people living alone, urging the administration to take urgent preventive steps to avert similar incidents.
What investigators are focusing on
A central question for investigators is whether the perpetrators conducted prior surveillance of the household and exploited the knowledge that Rajkumari Devi lived without family support nearby. Police are expected to examine local information networks, circumstantial evidence, and witness accounts to determine whether the crime was premeditated. No arrests had been reported at the time of writing.
The case has renewed concerns about the safety of elderly individuals living alone in rural Bihar, and the administration is under pressure to respond swiftly.
Point of View
Not an opportunistic one. The administration's failure to provide any visible community safety net for such residents is the real accountability gap here. Protests and road blockades are a symptom; the cause is a policing model that responds after the fact rather than before it.
NationPress
15 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Rajkumari Devi and where was she found?
Rajkumari Devi was an approximately 60-year-old woman who lived alone in Nardiha village, Nawada district, Bihar. She was found dead inside her house on a Saturday morning after neighbours alerted police when her door remained shut for an unusually long period.
How much was allegedly looted from the house?
Preliminary estimates suggest valuables worth more than ₹10 lakh may have been stolen, though police have not confirmed the final figure. The exact amount will be determined after the victim's family arrives and accounts for the property kept in the house.
Why are investigators looking at whether the crime was premeditated?
Investigators are examining whether the accused had prior knowledge that Rajkumari Devi lived alone — a circumstance that could indicate the house was specifically targeted. Her son works in Dubai and most family members live outside the village, which reportedly drew investigative attention to the possibility of prior surveillance.
What happened during the protest in Nardiha village?
Residents blocked Nardiganj Road and raised slogans against the police and local administration, demanding immediate arrests and better security for the area. Arson was also reported during the protest, though details remain unconfirmed by authorities.
Have any arrests been made in the Nawada murder case?
No arrests had been reported at the time of writing. Police have begun questioning residents, examining the crime scene, and working to establish the number of accused and the sequence of events leading to the murder.
