THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Khunti, Feb 21: Police have arrested all individuals involved in the murder of Sandeep Toppo. According to Khunti ASP Christopher Kerketta, wrestler Khushboo Kumari hired her lover, Pradeep Kujur, and four other youths to execute the murder, offering them ₹2 lakh as payment. Investigations revealed that Khushboo used a female friend to track Sandeep’s movements from the time he left for his in-laws’ house until the entire journey was completed.
The ASP stated that Khushboo orchestrated a planned attack on Sandeep’s car. The attackers stopped his vehicle, and he was first assaulted with a hockey stick kept inside the car. As he sustained injuries, the accused then stabbed him with a knife before fleeing the scene. Following the murder, Khushboo attempted to mislead the police by fabricating a kidnapping story. However, she was eventually arrested and charged with murder.
Six People Arrested, Including the Deceased’s Wife and Her Lover
Kerketta confirmed that all six individuals involved in the crime have been arrested. The accused include the victim’s wife, Khushboo Kumari, her lover Pradeep Kujur, as well as Pawan Lakra, Ronit Kujur, Suman Sagar Kujur, and Priya Kumari. All have been sent to judicial custody.
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According to the ASP, the murder took place on February 18, when unidentified criminals attacked a young man near Malgo on the Karra-Lodhma road and left his body on the roadside. Given the severity of the case, SP Aman Kumar instructed the formation of a special police team led by Torpa ASP. The police acted swiftly, arresting all accused on Thursday. Based on their confessions, the police recovered weapons used in the crime, mobile phones, shoes, two cars, and ₹25,500 in cash.
Khushboo Kumari’s Background and the Motive Behind the Murder
Khushboo Kumari is a national-level wrestler and has won several medals. In 2023, the state government recognized her achievements and appointed her as a wrestling trainer. She later trained students at various schools, including Kasturba School in Gumla district.
During this period, she met Sandeep, and the two got married in May 2024. However, in August 2024, Khushboo became involved with Pradeep Kujur, who managed accounts at the school. Sandeep was aware of the affair but, instead of confronting her, he asked her to leave Gumla and move to Ranchi. This angered Khushboo, and she shared her frustration with Pradeep. The two then conspired to eliminate Sandeep. As part of their plan, Pradeep recruited four individuals and paid them ₹2 lakh to carry out the murder.
