THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Hazaribag, Dec 28: Anita Kumari, the wife of Hazaribag Sadar SDM Ashok Kumar, passed away this morning in a Ranchi hospital after suffering severe burn injuries.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning at the SDM’s official residence. Initially, it was reported that Anita sustained burns while lighting a bonfire. However, as police investigate, public demands for the arrest of the SDM, who is also receiving treatment for burns on his hands, have grown louder.
Anita’s brother lodges complaint
The case took a dramatic turn yesterday when Anita’s brother, Raju Kumar Gupta, filed a written complaint with the Lohsinghna police. He accused the SDM and his family of setting Anita on fire. Gupta further alleged that the SDM was involved in an extramarital affair, which he claimed was the root cause of ongoing disputes between the couple.
Anita’s brother recounts events
Gupta recounted the events, stating: “At 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, I was informed about my younger sister Anita being burned. When I called back urgently, I was told she had been taken to Arogyam Hospital. From there, she was referred to Bokaro General Hospital. Despite my inquiries, no one provided a clear explanation of how or when the incident occurred. I later learned the incident happened at 7 a.m. When we reached Bokaro Hospital, we saw my sister’s body and face were badly burned. The doctors informed us that 65% of her body had sustained burns.”
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Gupta alleged that SDM Ashok Kumar, along with his father Duryodhan Sao, brother Shivnandan Kumar, and sister-in-law Rinku Devi, deliberately set Anita on fire by pouring oil on her.
According to Gupta, Anita had repeatedly confided in him about her husband’s extramarital affair. “My sister often told me that her husband, Ashok, had an illicit relationship with another woman. This caused frequent disputes between them. Both families sat together to resolve the issue, and the SDM had promised to take care of his wife and not give any further cause for complaint. However, he broke his promise, and the fights resumed,” Gupta stated.
SDM threatened him, alleges Gupta
Gupta further claimed that when his family confronted the SDM about his actions, he threatened them, leveraging his position and power. Gupta demanded strict action against the SDM and his family, holding them responsible for Anita’s death.
Lohsinghna police officials confirmed that an FIR has been registered. They assured that further action will be taken based on instructions from senior authorities.
Meanwhile, the SDM’s father, Duryodhan Sao, dismissed Gupta’s allegations, describing Anita as a short-tempered person. “I retired as a forest department ranger and now live in Hazaribag city with my wife. We avoid visiting Ashok’s residence,” he said. He added, “My three sons, including Ashok, live separately, and we have nothing to do with them.”
Police investigations are ongoing, and the case has sparked widespread attention and debate in Hazaribag.
