Chhattisgarh man arrested for killing pregnant wife, unborn child in Sarguja
Synopsis
A man in Sarguja, Chhattisgarh, allegedly tortured his 23-year-old pregnant wife with a twelve-inch iron tool, killing both her and her unborn child. He then transported her to a hospital on his motorcycle, told doctors she had been in a road accident, and fled when she was pronounced dead — only to be tracked down in a forested area near a dam.
Key Takeaways
Pradeep Agariya has been arrested in Sarguja district , Chhattisgarh, for the alleged murder of his 23-year-old pregnant wife, Hirabai .
The accused allegedly used a twelve-inch iron tool to inflict severe internal injuries, resulting in fatal bleeding.
Both the victim and her unborn child died as a result of the injuries.
The accused transported the unconscious victim to Ambikapur Medical College Hospital and falsely claimed she had been injured in a road accident before fleeing.
A joint team led by City SP Rahul Bansal apprehended the accused from a forested area near Khairbar Ganjhadand Dam .
The victim's brother had filed a complaint on 15 May ; the full extent of the crime emerged after the post-mortem report.
Police in Sarguja district, Chhattisgarh, have arrested Pradeep Agariya on charges of torturing and killing his 23-year-old pregnant wife, Hirabai, in Bhittikala Semarghat village under the jurisdiction of the Manipur Police Station. The accused allegedly inflicted severe internal injuries on the victim using a twelve-inch iron tool, causing fatal bleeding that claimed the lives of both Hirabai and her unborn child. The crime came to light on Sunday, 18 May, sending shockwaves through the local community.
How the Crime Came to Light
According to authorities, Prasanna Agariya, a resident of Sakariya Kunni village and the victim's brother, had filed a formal complaint at the Manipur Police Station on 15 May, reporting that his sister had been subjected to a severe physical assault by her husband. The initial report documented life-threatening injuries to her head and face. Police registered a case and began an investigation, but the full extent of the violence only emerged after a forensic medical examination was completed.
Accused Attempted to Mislead Doctors
According to police, once the accused realised Hirabai had lost consciousness, he tied her to his motorcycle and transported her to Ambikapur Medical College Hospital. Upon arrival, he allegedly fabricated a story, claiming she had been injured in a road accident. When the attending doctors examined the victim and pronounced her brought dead, the accused panicked and fled the hospital premises, triggering a manhunt.
Manhunt and Arrest
Recognising the gravity of the crime, a special joint team was formed under the guidance of City Superintendent of Police Rahul Bansal, comprising personnel from the Manipur Police Station and the Cyber Cell. Acting on a tip-off from a local informant, the team cordoned off a dense forested area near the Khairbar Ganjhadand Dam and apprehended the suspect. During preliminary interrogation, the accused reportedly admitted to physically assaulting his wife. He is currently in police custody.
Post-Mortem Triggers Community Outrage
The case drew widespread outrage after the post-mortem report revealed the full extent of the torture, with community members and observers drawing comparisons to the Nirbhaya case due to the nature of the injuries. Police officials confirmed that both external and severe internal injuries were documented on the victim's body. Authorities have stated they are conducting a thorough investigation to ensure the strictest legal action is pursued for what they have described as a heinous double homicide.
What Happens Next
The accused remains in police custody as investigators build the case for prosecution. Given the severity of the crime and the nature of the injuries documented in the post-mortem report, legal experts anticipate charges under multiple provisions. The case is expected to draw continued scrutiny from women's rights groups and state authorities in the days ahead.
Point of View
While emotionally resonant, risk obscuring the structural issue: most femicide victims in India are killed by intimate partners, not strangers, and the intervention frameworks for domestic violence remain deeply inadequate.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the Sarguja pregnant wife murder case?
Pradeep Agariya was arrested by police in Sarguja district, Chhattisgarh, on charges of torturing and killing his 23-year-old pregnant wife, Hirabai, in Bhittikala Semarghat village. He is currently in police custody.
What happened to the victim Hirabai?
Hirabai, who was pregnant, allegedly sustained severe internal injuries inflicted by her husband using a twelve-inch iron tool. She died from fatal bleeding, and her unborn child also did not survive. Her brother had filed a complaint about physical assault on 15 May, days before her death.
How did police track down the accused?
A special joint team comprising personnel from the Manipur Police Station and the Cyber Cell, formed under City Superintendent of Police Rahul Bansal, acted on a tip-off from a local informant and apprehended the accused from a dense forested area near the Khairbar Ganjhadand Dam.
Why did the accused go to Ambikapur Medical College Hospital?
According to police, after the victim lost consciousness, the accused tied her to his motorcycle and took her to Ambikapur Medical College Hospital. He allegedly told doctors she had been injured in a road accident to conceal the crime. When she was pronounced brought dead, he fled the hospital.
What charges is the accused facing?
Authorities have described the case as a double homicide involving the deaths of both Hirabai and her unborn child. Police are conducting a thorough investigation to pursue the strictest legal action. The exact charges are being determined as the investigation continues.
