Hazaribagh SDO Ashok Kumar News: Hazaribagh SDO’s Wife Dies During Treatment, Husband Accused of Burning Her

Hazaribagh, December 28, 2024: Anita Kumari, wife of Hazaribagh Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Ashok Kumar, succumbed to severe burn injuries during treatment late Thursday night. The incident has sparked controversy, with allegations of domestic abuse and foul play.

Incident Overview

Anita Kumari, reportedly suffering from 65% burns, was rushed to multiple hospitals for treatment. Despite doctors’ efforts, she could not survive. The incident, which occurred on December 26 at approximately 7 AM, has led to an FIR being filed by Anita’s brother, Raju Kumar Gupta, at the Lohsinghna police station.

The FIR accuses SDO Ashok Kumar, his father Duryodhan Sahu, younger brother Shivnandan Kumar, and sister-in-law Rinku Devi of involvement in the alleged crime.

Allegations and Domestic Discord

According to Raju Kumar Gupta, Anita had repeatedly expressed concerns about her husband’s alleged extramarital affair, which caused frequent disputes between the couple. Family meetings to resolve the matter reportedly failed, with the SDO allegedly threatening Anita and her family, stating, “You will have no chance to complain again.”

On the morning of the incident, the SDO’s younger brother informed Gupta that Anita had been severely burned. The family claims they were not provided with details of how the incident occurred or why there was a delay in informing them.

Medical Treatment and Death

Anita Kumari was initially admitted to a local hospital in Hazaribagh before being referred to Bokaro General Hospital (BGH). As her condition deteriorated, she was transferred to Ranchi’s Devkamal Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries during late-night treatment.

SDO Ashok Kumar Statement

Ashok Kumar, the accused SDO, has denied allegations of foul play. He stated that Anita Kumari set herself on fire following an argument over her morning walk plans. Ashok Kumar claimed his attempts to save her resulted in burn injuries to his hands.

Police Investigation Underway

The Lohsinghna police have registered a case based on the FIR filed by Raju Kumar Gupta. The police are investigating the incident, including statements from both the complainants and the accused. Key details, such as the exact circumstances leading to Anita’s burns, remain under scrutiny.

Community Reaction

The incident has drawn significant public attention, with many questioning the role of the accused individuals. Women’s rights organizations have called for a thorough investigation to ensure justice for Anita Kumari.