Patna: In a shocking case of brutality, 27-year-old Sanjana, a resident of Muzaffarpur, was murdered in Anandpuri, Patna, on Thursday. The accused, Suraj Sah, who is married and also from Muzaffarpur, allegedly stabbed her with scissors and then tried to burn her body using a gas cylinder. Patna Police arrested him within 12 hours of the incident from Vaishali district.
According to police, the murder was pre-planned and inspired by a web series. The accused reportedly tried to evade arrest by changing clothes, fleeing in the victim’s attire, and disposing of evidence in the Ganga river.
Murder, Escape and Arrest
After committing the crime on Thursday afternoon, Suraj returned to his home in Raghunathpur, Muzaffarpur—about 80 km from Patna—where he ran a cattle medicine shop. He stayed at his shop until 9 PM and spent the night at home. The next morning, after learning that CCTV footage had identified him, he left without informing his family and went into hiding in Vaishali.
Patna Police tracked his movements and arrested him from the Sukki area of Vaishali district. During interrogation, Suraj confessed to the crime, although he later claimed innocence and alleged he was being framed.
Family Speaks Out
Sanjana’s elder brother Gaurav told reporters that his sister had been staying alone in Patna for the past six months. She had recently cleared the CGL exam and was set to join the Bihar Secretariat on June 5. “We had spoken to her at 10 PM on Thursday. She seemed fine. Just hours later, we received the news of her death,” he said.
Her mother, Rita Devi, added that about 10–15 days ago, a man named “Abhishek” had visited their home claiming to know the family. She now suspects that might have been the accused. However, she could not confirm whether the visitor and the man seen in CCTV footage were the same.
Suraj’s Past and Marriage Troubles
Locals in Donma village of Muzaffarpur revealed that Suraj was married just 70 days ago, on March 6, to a woman from Narkatiaganj. Villagers alleged that he assaulted his wife Priyanka merely three days after the wedding, and the matter was resolved only after community intervention.
Suraj’s brother, Arun Sah, claimed that they have been living separately for years. “Our parents live with me. I have four small children. I or anyone in my family has nothing to do with this murder,” he said, adding that police have harassed his family despite their non-involvement.
Suraj’s wife refused to speak to the media after the incident and went inside the house when approached by reporters.
Victim’s Final Journey
Due to the condition of the body, the family decided to perform Sanjana’s last rites in Hajipur rather than bringing her remains back to the village. Her half-burnt body was cremated at Ganga Ghat late Thursday evening.
Murder Planned Like a Web Series Plot
According to police sources, Suraj traveled from Vaishali to Patna by motorcycle, parked near Bailey Road, and reached Sanjana’s residence in Anandpuri by auto. He stayed there for around three hours before murdering her. He then changed into her clothes to avoid suspicion and fled the scene, taking with him her mobile phone, laptop, jewelry, and ₹25,000 in cash.
On his way back to Vaishali, he reportedly dumped his blood-stained clothes and Sanjana’s belongings in the Ganga river. In an attempt to mislead investigators, he even sent an acquaintance to file a false theft complaint at Sakra Police Station.
Contradictory Claims
Despite confessing earlier, Suraj later claimed innocence. “I did not kill her. Someone else did. I am being forced to confess,” he told police.
Sanjana’s family, however, remains devastated. Her mother said Sanjana had planned to visit the village after joining her new job. “She had stayed in a hostel for three years and wanted to be independent,” she added.
The police investigation is ongoing, and further forensic analysis is awaited to strengthen the case.
