Deogarh: Home Guard Arrested for Strangling Woman to Death Over Marriage Pressure

In a shocking revelation, police in Deogarh district have solved the murder of a 32-year-old woman who was abandoned by her husband, arresting her lover—a serving home guard—for the crime.

The accused, Srikar Sunani, confessed to strangling Pratima Majhi after she pressured him to marry her, fearing social stigma, the police said.

The incident occurred late on November 21 in the Laimura police station area. Pratima, daughter of Kesan Majhi from Laimura village, had been living with her father after leaving her husband, Lalindra Kisan from nearby Durijangal village, about six years ago. The couple had a child together, but Pratima chose to separate shortly after the birth.

During this period, Pratima developed a relationship with Srikar, a home guard posted at Laimura police station and a resident of Kadlimunda village. Srikar, a widower with three children whose wife had passed away around five years ago, allegedly promised marriage to Pratima and maintained an intimate relationship with her. However, tensions arose five months ago when Srikar secretly remarried without informing her, leading to bitterness between the two.

According to police sources, on the night of November 21, Srikar called Pratima and lured her to a nearby jungle. After consuming alcohol together, Pratima insisted on marriage once again, which enraged Srikar. In a fit of fear over potential public humiliation, he strangled her by the throat and fled, leaving her body in the Kukudadhuda jungle.

The next day, on November 22, Pratima’s father filed a complaint at Laimura police station, prompting an investigation. Police detained Srikar after discovering his involvement through phone records and other evidence. During interrogation, he admitted to the crime. Today, he was arrested, sent for a medical examination, and is set to be produced in court.

Deogarh Superintendent of Police (SP) Anil Kumar Mishra announced the breakthrough at a press conference held at the district police headquarters. He detailed how scientific investigation, including call detail records, led to Srikar’s arrest. Also present were Additional Superintendent of Police Dhiraj Chopdar, SDPO Ramesh Mahana, and Laimura police station IIC Pankaj Majhi.

This case highlights the tragic consequences of broken promises in relationships, with police emphasising swift action to deliver justice.