Bihar woman shot dead by husband at newborn's Chhathi ceremony in Samastipur
Synopsis
A mother of three was allegedly shot dead by her husband at their newborn daughter's Chhathi ceremony in Samastipur, Bihar — a celebration that turned fatal within minutes. The accused remains at large as FSL teams comb the crime scene and police hunt for the weapon.
Key Takeaways
Manjula Devi was allegedly shot dead by her husband Suraj Sahani during their newborn daughter's Chhathi ceremony in Chaklalshahi village, Samastipur, Bihar on Tuesday night .
The incident occurred just six days after Manjula gave birth to a baby girl — the couple's third child.
Manjula was declared dead on arrival at Samastipur Sadar Hospital .
An FIR for murder has been registered against Suraj Sahani based on a complaint by Manjula's brother.
Suraj Sahani is absconding ; police teams are actively searching for him.
A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team visited the crime scene on Wednesday morning to collect evidence.
A young mother, Manjula Devi, was allegedly shot dead by her husband during a domestic dispute at the family's Chhathi ceremony in Chaklalshahi village, under the Halai police station area of Samastipur district, Bihar, on Tuesday night. The incident occurred just six days after Manjula had given birth to a baby girl — the couple's third child. The accused, identified as Suraj Sahani, has been absconding since the shooting and is being actively hunted by police.
How the Incident Unfolded
The family had reportedly been celebrating the arrival of a daughter after having two sons, making the occasion particularly joyous. According to the family, an argument broke out between Manjula Devi and her husband Suraj Sahani during the ceremony. The dispute allegedly escalated rapidly, after which Manjula was shot and sustained critical injuries, collapsing at the scene.
Her brother immediately rushed her to Samastipur Sadar Hospital on a motorcycle, but doctors declared her dead on arrival. The shooting left both families and the couple's small children in a state of shock.
Police Response and Investigation
Officers from the Halai police station reached Chaklalshahi village shortly after the incident and launched an investigation. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team was deployed to the crime scene on Wednesday morning to collect scientific evidence. Police are also attempting to recover the weapon allegedly used in the shooting.
Authorities are questioning family members and local residents to reconstruct the sequence of events and establish the precise motive. Officials stated that the investigation is being conducted from all angles.
FIR Registered, Accused Absconding
The district police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant sections of murder against Suraj Sahani, based on a written complaint filed by Manjula's brother. Manjula's maternal family has squarely accused the husband of carrying out the shooting.
Sahani has reportedly been absconding since the incident, and multiple police teams are searching for him. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination at Sadar Hospital, Samastipur.
What Happens Next
Further legal action will be determined by the post-mortem findings, the FSL report, and witness statements. The precise motive and full sequence of events are expected to become clearer once the accused is traced and the forensic evidence is analysed. This incident underscores the persistent threat of domestic violence in rural Bihar, where such disputes — particularly around the birth of a girl child — have historically been a flashpoint.
Point of View
And while the precise motive here remains under investigation, the context demands scrutiny beyond a routine murder case. The speed with which the accused absconded suggests premeditation cannot be ruled out. Until the FSL report and post-mortem findings are in, the full picture remains incomplete — but the institutional response, from FIR registration to forensic deployment, has been prompt.
NationPress
26 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Samastipur Chhathi ceremony shooting in Bihar?
A woman named Manjula Devi was allegedly shot dead by her husband Suraj Sahani during a domestic dispute at their newborn daughter's Chhathi ceremony in Chaklalshahi village, Samastipur, Bihar, on Tuesday night. She was declared dead on arrival at Samastipur Sadar Hospital.
Who is the accused in the Samastipur shooting case?
The accused is Suraj Sahani, Manjula Devi's husband, against whom an FIR for murder has been registered based on a complaint filed by Manjula's brother. Sahani has been absconding since the incident and is being searched for by police teams.
What is a Chhathi ceremony and why was the family celebrating?
The Chhathi ceremony is a traditional ritual held six days after a child's birth to celebrate the newborn's arrival. In this case, the family was reportedly celebrating the birth of a daughter after having two sons.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Halai police have registered an FIR for murder, deployed a Forensic Science Laboratory team to the crime scene, and sent the body for post-mortem at Sadar Hospital, Samastipur. Further action will depend on the post-mortem findings, FSL report, and witness statements.
Where did the Samastipur shooting incident take place?
The incident took place in Chaklalshahi village, under the Halai police station area of Samastipur district in Bihar.
