LUCKNOW: In a gruesome incident reported from a village under the Rupaidih police station limits in Bahraich, a 40-year-old man allegedly hacked four members of his own family to death with an axe and critically injured his elder brother following a long-standing property dispute, police said.
The incident took place in Basantpur Rudal village (hamlet Ramnagar), located around 45 km from the district headquarters.
According to preliminary investigation, the accused, identified as Nirankar Verma, launched a brutal attack on his family late Sunday night, striking them repeatedly with an axe for nearly 30 minutes.
Police said the accused first attacked his father, Badlu Ram (60), during an argument over division of ancestral property. When other family members—his mother Sanju Devi (56), sister Parvati (42), and grandmother Sheetla Devi (80)—attempted to intervene, he turned on them and killed all three.
Hearing the commotion, the elder brother Gurudev Verma rushed to stop the assault but was also attacked and sustained serious injuries. He is currently undergoing treatment at a district hospital.
Minor Nephew Eyewitness to CarnageIn a chilling detail, Gurudev’s 10-year-old son witnessed the entire incident while hiding in fear. The child, identified as the sole eyewitness, reportedly stayed concealed after seeing his uncle carrying out the attack. Police have taken him into protective custody and are recording his statement.
Accused Attempts Suicide, ArrestedAfter committing the murders, the accused allegedly attempted suicide by repeatedly hitting his head with a brick. He collapsed due to excessive bleeding before villagers, alerted by screams, reached the house and found bodies lying on the floor and beds.
Police rushed to the spot upon receiving information, took the accused into custody, and shifted him to a hospital. Due to his critical condition, he was later referred to a trauma centre in Lucknow.
Long-Standing Property DisputeInitial probe indicates that the two brothers had been locked in a dispute over 18 bighas of agricultural land for several years. Around 15 years ago, a portion of land was sold by their father, and the proceeds were reportedly used to purchase another plot. The accused allegedly did not receive his share, which became a recurring source of conflict.
On the night of the incident, the dispute escalated when Nirankar demanded his share of the money. Following a heated argument, he allegedly attacked his father, triggering the chain of killings.
Police and forensic teams recovered the blood-stained axe used in the crime from nearby bushes, along with a blood-soaked brick. All four bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination.
An FIR has been registered on the complaint of the injured elder brother, and further investigation is underway. Police said detailed questioning of the accused will be conducted after his recovery.
Background And Additional DetailsInvestigators also revealed that the accused had been under mental stress after his wife left him about two years ago. He had no children. Neighbours said the family followed a spiritual sect and was scheduled to leave for a religious gathering in Gonda the next morning.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the village, especially as it occurred just days before Holi. Heavy police deployment has been made in the area to maintain law and order.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Durga Prasad Tiwari said the case appears to be linked to a property dispute. “Forensic teams are on the spot. The weapon has been recovered. Four bodies have been sent for post-mortem. Adequate police force is deployed to prevent any untoward situation,” he said.
The village remains tense, with mourning families and heightened security in place as the investigation continues.