In a disturbing case of domestic violence turned deadly, Surji Devi, a resident of Tilaiya village in Dhanbad district, has been arrested for murdering her husband, Suresh Hansda, and burying his body inside their mud-floored house. Authorities uncovered the crime after a foul stench from the house raised suspicion.
Police report that Surji confessed to stabbing Suresh to death on August 25, following a violent altercation during which he had assaulted her. The couple, known to frequently quarrel—especially when Suresh was intoxicated—had a troubled marriage marred by abuse. Neighbours also alleged that Surji had a drinking habit and was involved in an illicit relationship with Suresh’s brother, who lived with them.
“The fights often escalated when Suresh was drunk,” a local villager told reporters. Suspicion grew after Suresh vanished without explanation and failed to attend the last rites of a close relative. Neighbours reported the foul smell coming from the couple’s home and raised concerns with the police.
Responding to the tip-off, a police team led by DSP D N Banka excavated the mud platform inside the house, discovering the partially decomposed body identified as Suresh Hansda beneath it. Surji has been taken into judicial custody as investigations continue to determine if the murder was solely due to domestic violence or also connected to the alleged illicit relationship.
