Bihar court sentences father to life term for son's murder in Begusarai
Synopsis
[{"question":"What was the Begusarai father-son murder case?","answer":"Sudhir Kumar of Pidholi, Begusarai was convicted of murdering his son Alok Kumar on 9 June 2019 by attacking him with a sharp-edged weapon. A Begusarai court sentenced him to life imprisonment on 29 April 2026 under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code."},{"question":"What was the motive behind the murder?","answer":"According to Public Prosecutor Santosh Kumar, the accused was addicted to alcohol and palm toddy and had already sold one family plot to fund his habit. When he attempted to sell another plot and his son opposed the move, he allegedly committed the murder out of rage."},{"question":"Who delivered the judgment in this case?","answer":"The judgment was delivered by Principal District and Sessions Judge Rishikant of the Begusarai court. The conviction was recorded on 27 April 2026 and the sentence was pronounced on 29 April 2026."},{"question":"What compensation has been ordered for the victim's family?","answer":"The court directed the District Legal Services Authority to ensure compensation for the victim's widow, Abha Devi, who had originally lodged the FIR in the case."},{"question":"What evidence led to the conviction?","answer":"The prosecution presented seven witnesses including the victim's mother, wife, brother, two neighbours, a government doctor, and the investigating officer, along with medical reports, which together formed the basis of the conviction."}]
A court in Begusarai, Bihar, on 29 April 2026, sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the murder of his own son, in a case rooted in alcohol addiction and a family dispute over land. The judgment was delivered by Principal District and Sessions Judge Rishikant, bringing a seven-year legal battle to a close.
The Conviction and Sentence
The court found Sudhir Kumar, a resident of Pidholi under Teghra Police Station in Begusarai, guilty under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code — the provision for murder. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of ₹15,000. In the event of non-payment, the court directed an additional three months of imprisonment.
The court also directed the District Legal Services Authority to ensure compensation for the victim's wife, Abha Devi.
What Happened on the Night of the Crime
According to Public Prosecutor Santosh Kumar, the incident took place on 9 June 2019, between 6:30 and 7 pm. The victim, Alok Kumar, was sitting outside his home eating bhuja when his father allegedly attacked him from behind with a sharp-edged weapon, slitting his throat. He died on the spot.
The First Information Report was lodged by the victim's wife, Abha Devi, who alleged that the accused was addicted to alcohol and palm toddy. According to the prosecution, Sudhir Kumar had already sold one plot of land and spent the proceeds on intoxicants. When he attempted to sell another plot, his family — including the deceased — opposed the move and reportedly discouraged a prospective buyer. Enraged by this resistance, the accused allegedly carried out the killing.
Evidence and Witnesses
The prosecution presented seven witnesses during the trial, including the deceased's mother Nutan Devi, wife Abha Devi, brother Anupam Kumar, neighbours Amit Kumar and Randhir Kumar, government doctor Raju Kumar, and investigating officer Sumant Chaudhary.
