In a shocking case of alleged honour killing, Madhepura Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the murder of a 20-year-old woman and her newborn baby girl.
The deceased, Alka Kumari, was allegedly killed by her father Ambed Bharti and uncle Tapesh Bharti in Pipra Karauti village under Udakishunganj police station limits. Police said the crime was motivated by her relationship with Rishu Kumar (25), a man from the same village.
According to Udakishunganj SDPO Avinash Kumar, Alka had been in a relationship with Rishu for over a year. In June 2025, she became pregnant and informed him the following month. Rishu allegedly pressured her to terminate the pregnancy, but she refused.
Six months later, Alka’s parents learned about the pregnancy. Police said her father and uncle conspired to kill her, though her mother opposed the plan and supported her daughter.
On February 13, Alka delivered a baby girl at a hospital in Udakishunganj. Soon after, citing medical complications, her father and uncle allegedly took her away under the pretext of shifting her to another hospital. Instead, they reportedly murdered her and disposed of her body in Naugachhiya, Bhagalpur district.
Meanwhile, the newborn remained at the hospital with Alka’s mother. Police said Rishu later took the baby, strangled her, and threw the body from a bridge on NH-106.
The case came to light after both bodies were recovered on February 14. DNA tests conducted on the woman, the infant, and family members revealed the sequence of events.
Rishu was arrested on February 20 and allegedly confessed, revealing the involvement of Alka’s father and uncle. During interrogation, Ambed and Tapesh also reportedly admitted to the crime. Police seized a four-wheeler vehicle and a mobile phone used in the commission of the offense.
All three accused have been arrested and sent to judicial custody. Investigations are ongoing.
