Jharkhand youth hacked to death in Giridih; dying declaration names four accused
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A 24-year-old man was allegedly murdered with a sharp-edged weapon late Monday night near Azad Nagar Chadra Bridge under the Pachamba police station limits in Giridih district, Jharkhand, police officials confirmed on Tuesday, 29 April 2025. The deceased has been identified as Taufiq Ansari, who had recently been released from jail prior to the incident.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to a friend of the deceased, Taufiq received a phone call around midnight from one Asif Ali, a resident of Ambatand under the Muffasil police station area. He subsequently proceeded to the location along with three friends. Police said investigations suggest the victim was allegedly lured to the spot under the pretext of a meeting as part of a premeditated plan.
Eyewitnesses told police that an argument broke out shortly after Taufiq arrived, following which a group of four to five accomplices — reportedly already waiting at the location — attacked him with sharp weapons. Though he attempted to flee, the assailants allegedly chased him, overpowered him, and continued the assault.
Dying Declaration Recorded on Mobile Phone
Family members who reached the spot found Taufiq critically injured and bleeding profusely. They allege that in his final moments, he named Sakib, Arshad, Monu Pathan, and Asif Ali as those responsible for the attack. According to family members, this dying declaration was recorded on a mobile phone — a claim they intend to present to investigators.
Upon receiving information, Pachamba police reached the scene, sent the body for a postmortem examination, and recovered the victim's mobile phone from a nearby drain.
Background and Preliminary Findings
Police officials stated that preliminary findings indicate the murder may be linked to a personal rivalry and a struggle for local dominance. They also confirmed that the deceased had a criminal history and had served jail time in a previous case, having only recently been released before the incident.
This comes amid recurring incidents of targeted violence in parts of Jharkhand attributed to local gang rivalries, underlining persistent law-and-order concerns in the region.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
The Pachamba police have formed special teams and launched raids at suspected locations to apprehend the accused. No arrests had been confirmed at the time of reporting. Investigators are expected to examine the mobile phone recording of the alleged dying declaration as a key piece of evidence in the case.