Darbhanga man kills wife, 3 children in Bihar; attempts suicide
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A man allegedly killed his wife and three children with a baton and sharp-edged weapons in Darbhanga district, Bihar, around 5 am on Tuesday, before attempting to take his own life, police confirmed. The incident, one of the most severe domestic violence cases reported from the district this year, unfolded in the Chandanpatti area under the jurisdiction of Pator Police Station.
What Happened
The accused, identified as Sandeep Das, a native of Dalkhola in West Bengal, had been employed at a poultry farm in Chandanpatti alongside his wife, Phool Kumari Das (30), and their children. According to police, the couple had a history of frequent arguments. On Tuesday morning, another altercation reportedly escalated into fatal violence.
Sandeep allegedly attacked his wife and three children with a baton and sharp-edged weapons. Phool Kumari Das and two children died at the scene. The third child was rushed to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), where he succumbed to injuries during treatment. After the assault, Sandeep allegedly attempted suicide and sustained injuries; he is currently under treatment at the same hospital and is reported to be out of danger.
Police Response and Investigation
Chandra Bhushan Kumar, Station House Officer (SHO) of Pator Police Station, confirmed that officers reached the site promptly after being alerted and launched an immediate investigation. The bodies have been taken into custody and sent for post-mortem examination.
A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has been summoned to assist with evidence collection. The district police have seized the weapons believed to have been used in the crime. An FIR is yet to be formally registered; police are awaiting Sandeep's recovery to record his statement before proceeding.
Background and Context
The exact cause of the dispute remains undetermined, according to investigators. Police sources indicated that the couple had a pattern of heated arguments, though no prior formal complaints appear to have been filed. Notably, the family had migrated from West Bengal and was living in a relatively isolated work setting at the poultry farm, which may have limited community oversight.
This incident comes amid growing concerns over domestic violence in Bihar's rural districts. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Bihar consistently ranks among states with high reported rates of domestic violence, though experts caution that under-reporting remains a significant challenge in agrarian and migrant-worker communities.
What Happens Next
The accused will face charges under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) once his statement is recorded. The FSL findings are expected to corroborate the physical evidence. District authorities have not yet announced any welfare response for the family's extended relatives. The case has prompted renewed calls from civil society groups for stronger mental health and domestic violence intervention mechanisms in Bihar's migrant-worker settlements.