Kolkata-returned woman found dead in Giridih well; Husband missing after alleged murder over affair

A 35-year-old woman, Shahnaz Khatoon, was found dead in a well near her parental home in Bairia village under Herodih police station limits in Giridih district on Tuesday morning. She had returned to her maternal home from Kolkata along with her husband Manzoor Ansari on Saturday for the Muharram observance. The incident has triggered tension in the area, and a police investigation is underway.

According to family members, Shahnaz had been married to Manzoor Ansari for five years. The couple had twin sons. On Monday night, after the sound of their younger child crying woke the family, they discovered that Shahnaz was not present in her room. The family began searching for her, but when they could not find her, they informed the Herodih police station.

On Tuesday morning, her body was discovered in a nearby well. The police reached the spot and retrieved the body. It was later sent to Giridih Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination. Police officials said that the cause of death would be confirmed only after the autopsy report is received. No arrests have been made yet, but the investigation is ongoing.

Shahnaz’s father, Akbar Ansari, alleged that her husband Manzoor had an affair with another woman and accused him of being involved in her death. He claimed that Manzoor spent his earnings on the other woman, did not provide clothes to his wife, and often pressured her to ask for money from her parents. He also mentioned that a complaint was earlier lodged at the local police station, and after intervention, she was sent back with her husband.

Manzoor Ansari has been missing since the incident. Police have launched a search operation to trace him. Officials confirmed that a case has been registered and all aspects of the incident are being looked into as part of the investigation.