Sonamukhi double murder: Man kills wife, father in Bengal; absconding
Synopsis
On Durga Ashtami night, a man in West Bengal's Sonamukhi allegedly beheaded his wife and placed her head at a temple, then killed his father — before chasing neighbours with a weapon and fleeing. Police have a case registered but no arrest yet, and a possible occult link is being probed.
Key Takeaways
Mangal Chowdhury allegedly killed his wife Rumpa, 39 , and father Rajendra Chowdhury, 60 , in Sonamukhi, Bankura district , on the night of 20 October 2025 .
Rumpa was allegedly beheaded; her severed head was found at a nearby temple .
The murders reportedly occurred on Durga Ashtami , raising initial suspicion of an occult motive ; a family dispute has not been ruled out.
The accused also reportedly chased local residents with a sharp weapon before fleeing the area.
Bankura district police have registered a case, sent both bodies for autopsy, and launched a manhunt for the accused.
A man allegedly killed his 39-year-old wife and 60-year-old father in the Mana Char area of Sonamukhi, Bankura district, West Bengal, on the night of Monday, 20 October 2025, before fleeing the scene, police confirmed on Tuesday. The accused, identified as Mangal Chowdhury, remains at large as a manhunt continues across the district.
What Happened
According to police, Mangal Chowdhury allegedly attacked his wife, Rumpa Chowdhury, with a sharp weapon and beheaded her. Her severed head was subsequently found at a nearby temple. The body of his father, Rajendra Chowdhury, 60, was recovered from the courtyard of their residence. Police said the killings took place on the occasion of Durga Ashtami.
Possible Motive Under Probe
Initial reports suggest the murders may be linked to occult practices, locally referred to as 'Tantra Sadhana'. However, investigating officers have said a family dispute as the underlying motive cannot be ruled out either. No official motive has been established at this stage, and authorities are maintaining an open line of inquiry.
Panic in the Neighbourhood
The incident has spread fear among residents of the Mana Char locality. Local resident Dayal Patra told reporters: 'The husband and wife used to worship together. But this is the first time I have seen such an incident in my life. After killing two people, the man also chased some people with sharp weapons before fleeing the town. The police brought the situation under control.'
Police Response
A senior officer of the Bankura district police stated: 'A search is on to apprehend him. The family members of his wife have been informed about the incident.' Both bodies have been sent for autopsy, and a case has been formally registered against the accused. Police cordoned off the area following the incident to prevent further alarm among residents.
What Comes Next
Investigators are expected to examine the temple where the victim's head was found for forensic clues, and are questioning local witnesses to piece together the sequence of events. The role of any alleged occult connection will likely be assessed as part of the broader investigation into the accused's state of mind and motive.
Point of View
With the victim's head placed at a temple — has prompted investigators to explore a possible occult angle, even as the more statistically common cause, a domestic dispute, remains equally in frame. The case underscores a recurring challenge for West Bengal law enforcement: distinguishing ritualised violence from crimes staged to appear as such. That the accused reportedly attacked neighbours before fleeing suggests premeditation rather than a momentary breakdown, a detail investigators should weigh carefully. Until an arrest is made, the community's fear will remain difficult to contain.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the victims in the Sonamukhi double murder?
The victims are Rumpa Chowdhury, 39, wife of the accused Mangal Chowdhury, and Rajendra Chowdhury, 60, his father. The killings took place in the Mana Char area of Sonamukhi, Bankura district, West Bengal, on the night of 20 October 2025.
What is the suspected motive behind the Sonamukhi murders?
Police have not confirmed a motive. Initial reports suggest a possible link to occult practices known as 'Tantra Sadhana', but investigators say a family dispute cannot be ruled out. The inquiry remains open on both counts.
Has the accused Mangal Chowdhury been arrested?
No. Mangal Chowdhury was absconding as of Tuesday, 20 October 2025. Bankura district police have registered a case and launched a manhunt to apprehend him.
Why was the victim's head found at a temple?
According to police and local residents, after allegedly beheading his wife Rumpa, Mangal Chowdhury placed her severed head at a nearby temple. Investigators are examining this detail as part of the broader probe into motive, including the possible occult angle.
What action has West Bengal police taken so far?
Bankura district police have recovered both bodies, sent them for autopsy, registered a formal case against the accused, and informed the victim's family. A senior officer confirmed that a search operation to apprehend Mangal Chowdhury is underway.
