Simdega News: Wife Beaten and Stripped After Husband’s Drowning in Simdega, Jharkhand

Simdega, December 17, 2024: A shocking incident unfolded in Simdega district, where a grieving wife was allegedly beaten, stripped and subjected to an attempt to chop her hair after her husband’s tragic drowning. The incident occurred when the woman returned to her in-laws’ home with her husband’s body.

Husband Drowns, Violence Ensues

The incident began on Sunday when the deceased, identified as Sandeep Lohra, reportedly drowned in a local pond while bathing. According to the victim, she and her husband had been struggling to find work and had returned to their village after a failed attempt to secure employment in the city.

The woman recounted that the drowning occurred in the afternoon when the couple was washing clothes near the pond. Despite efforts to save him, Sandeep drowned and his body was later retrieved. The police conducted a postmortem and handed over the body to the wife.

Attack on the Wife Upon Return

On Monday, the woman, accompanied by her parents, brought her husband’s body back to her in-laws’ home. What followed was a brutal assault. The woman alleged that members of her in-laws’ family along with several villagers, attacked her, blaming her for her husband’s death.

During the assault, the attackers reportedly tore her clothes, leaving her partially stripped, and attempted to cut her hair. Amid the chaos, the woman and her parents managed to escape the scene and sought refuge at Gumla Sadar Hospital later that night.

Victim’s Statement and Struggles

The victim shared her harrowing experience, stating, “I was working alongside my husband to raise our three children. We had been struggling to find employment and returned to my maternal home for survival. My husband drowned and I am being blamed for his death. Why would I harm the father of my children?”

Her statement underscores the socio-economic challenges the family faced. The woman’s plea highlights the devastating impact of the incident on her and her three young children.

Context and Background

The couple, both daily wage laborers, were struggling to make ends meet. Their inability to secure consistent work forced them to move between their village and the city. The drowning incident appears to have triggered tensions within the family, culminating in the violent assault.

Police Investigation Underway

Local authorities have been informed about the incident and an investigation is reportedly underway. Police officials have assured that appropriate action will be taken against the perpetrators.

Impact on the Family

The incident has left the woman and her children traumatized and vulnerable. The attack highlights the broader issue of domestic violence and societal blame often faced by women in rural areas, particularly in cases of unexpected deaths.

Rising Concerns Over Domestic Violence

The incident has sparked concern over increasing cases of domestic violence and harassment in Jharkhand. Such cases, particularly in rural areas, often go unreported, leaving victims without justice.