Daijiworld Media Network – Gaya
Gaya, Apr 9: In a deeply disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves across Bihar, Sushma Singh (32), the granddaughter of Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, was shot dead by her husband inside their home in Tetua village under Atri police station limits of Gaya district on Wednesday.
According to officials, the accused, identified as Ramesh Singh, allegedly entered the house, locked the door from inside, and fired three bullets at Sushma using a country-made pistol before fleeing the scene. Sushma, who was employed as a Vikas Mitra in the Atri block, died on the spot.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anand Kumar confirmed the incident and said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the case. “The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has collected evidence from the crime scene, and a manhunt is on to arrest the absconding accused,” the SSP said.
The incident has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile political connection of the victim. Security and investigative agencies have been directed to probe all possible angles, including domestic violence, inter-caste tensions, and personal enmity.
Sushma’s sister, Poonam Kumari, speaking with grief and anger, said, “Sushma had married Ramesh 16 years ago despite societal pressure, as it was an inter-caste marriage. On Wednesday, he came home, locked the door, and shot my sister. We want the harshest punishment for him, the death penalty.”
Poonam added that she was in another room when the incident occurred and ran out upon hearing the gunshots, only to find her sister lifeless and the accused missing.
Local residents, alarmed by the gunshots, quickly informed the police, prompting immediate action from district authorities. Police personnel rushed to the spot, and the victim’s body was shifted to Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College for post-mortem examination.
The village remains in mourning, with grieving relatives and residents demanding swift justice.
An investigating officer said, “We have not yet ascertained the exact motive behind the murder. All angles, including domestic issues and caste-related factors, are being thoroughly looked into.”
As the search for the accused intensifies, the incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over domestic violence and the vulnerability of women in strained marital relationships.