Anganwadi worker allegedly strangled by in-laws, husband arrested for murder

Pinky Lohar, a 28-year-old Anganwadi worker, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Bishnupur, West Bengal, on Saturday, December 7. The victim had been working at an Anganwadi center when she was reportedly called by her in-laws to a nearby jungle. According to her family, they were initially informed that Pinky had died by suicide, allegedly hanging herself from a tree. However, upon reaching the location, Pinky’s paternal family found her body lying in the courtyard of her in-laws' house, not hanging as initially reported.

Pinky had been married for eight years to Bappi Lohar, a resident of Kamarpukur village near Bishnupur, and the couple had a seven-year-old child. The victim’s paternal family claims that Pinky had been subjected to physical and mental abuse by her in-laws over a long period due to ongoing marital and family disputes. They believe the circumstances surrounding her death are inconsistent with the initial claim of suicide.

Following the discovery of discrepancies in the suicide claim, Pinky’s family filed a formal complaint at the Bishnupur police station, accusing Bappi Lohar and other members of his family of causing her death. The complaint prompted the police to arrest Bappi Lohar on charges of murder. The police have not specified the exact details of the charges against the other family members involved.

The body of Pinky Lohar has been sent for an autopsy at Bankura Sammilani Medical College to determine the precise cause of death. The Bishnupur police are continuing their investigation into the case. Authorities are examining potential evidence, questioning family members, and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further arrests and developments in the case are expected as the investigation proceeds.