Jamshedpur, September 07, 2026: Kowali police claim to have solved the murder of Sikander Kumar within five days, arresting four people and recovering a steel GI pipe, a car, four mobile phones, cash and other items allegedly linked to the crime.
Sikander’s body was found on September 1 in the Banakata forest, close to the Jharkhand-Odisha border in East Singhbhum’s Kovali police station area. A murder case was subsequently registered on the statement of his brother Jitendra Sharma.
According to police, the investigation took a new turn after technical evidence and questioning of the deceased’s family members indicated that Sikander was allegedly in a relationship with a woman identified as Vibha Devi.
Police subsequently detained Vibha Devi’s husband, Mintu Saw, a resident of Bagbera, for questioning.
Police allege contract killing over personal relationship
According to the police investigation, Mintu Saw and Vibha Devi allegedly planned to eliminate Sikander. Police further claim that Sundar Das of Bada Baglata village was allegedly offered ₹1.80 lakh to carry out the killing, with ₹50,000 reportedly paid in advance.
Police allege that Vibha Devi took Sikander to Banakata forest at night as part of the plan. Other alleged participants subsequently reached the location.
According to investigators, Sikander was attacked with a steel GI pipe, resulting in his death.
Police further allege that after the killing, the accused left Sikander’s body along with his motorcycle beside the road in an attempt to make the incident appear to be a road accident.
Technical evidence helped police uncover the alleged plot
The case was initially investigated from multiple angles after the body was recovered. Technical evidence and other investigative leads reportedly helped police identify the alleged conspiracy behind the death.
Four accused have been arrested and sent to judicial custody, according to police. Investigators are continuing to examine the possible involvement of other people and conducting raids in connection with the case.
GI pipe, car and four phones recovered
Police said the recoveries include the steel GI pipe allegedly used in the attack, a car, four mobile phones, cash and other articles.
The investigation team included Kowali police station in-charge Mukesh Kumar Saw, sub-inspectors Sido Murmu, Sahdev Singh and Gautam Kumar, Ajanta Mahto, assistant sub-inspector Roshan Kujur, Pramod Singh, Chowkidar Kiran Mahakud, Swadesh Sit, Nagen Sardar, Anjali Kisku, Bablu Hansda, Astula Khan and Birendra Birua, among other police personnel.
Police said further investigation is underway to establish the role of all those suspected to be connected with the killing.
