GOPALGANJ – In a harrowing turn of events, the body of a 30-year-old priest, missing since December 11 in Gopalganj, was discovered concealed in the bushes near Sudha Dairy in Danapur on Saturday, December 16. The police have unraveled a chilling murder plot, leading to the arrest of the priest’s ex-girlfriend and her family.
The victim, identified as Manoj Kumar Sah, was found murdered in what appears to be a gruesome fallout of a love affair gone awry. The incident took place in Danapur village of the Manjhagarh police station area.
Saran Range DIG Vikas Kumar disclosed that the prime suspect, Neha Kumari, the ex-girlfriend, was taken into custody and, during interrogation, confessed to her involvement in the heinous crime. Neha revealed that her ex-boyfriend, Manoj, had been threatening to disseminate compromising material involving her. Fearing for her reputation, Neha hatched a sinister plan.
On December 10, Neha lured Manoj to her home using her aunt’s mobile. Once at the residence, he was ambushed by Neha’s family, who held him captive. In a gruesome turn of events, Manoj was brutally attacked in the bathroom—strangled with a scarf, stabbed with a knife, his tongue severed, and an eye gouged out. The lifeless body was callously discarded in a nearby field.
DIG Vikas Kumar further explained that three individuals including Manoj resided in the Danapur Shiv Temple under the Manjhagarh police station. The missing report for Manoj was filed by his family at the police station. CCTV footage from the temple on December 11 revealed Manoj and two friends leaving the temple at 12:45 am. The discovery of Manoj’s body on December 16 prompted an immediate investigation and a case was registered at Manjhagarh police station.
To crack the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, led by Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Sadar. Through a meticulous examination of human and technical intelligence, the SIT interrogated Neha Kumari, leading to a startling confession.
As the investigation continues, authorities are conducting raids to apprehend other individuals involved in the gruesome incident. The arrested suspects include Neha Kumari, Sunita Devi, and Amit Kumar, all residents of Danapur. Evidence, including a blood-stained salwar suit, dupatta, and rope, has been recovered from the accused’s residence.
According to officials, Manoj was involved in a two-year-long love affair with Neha, a girl from the same village. When Neha got married six months ago, Manoj continued to reside in the temple. Tensions escalated after Neha’s visit to the temple with her husband, leading to a confrontation with Manoj. The subsequent threats and harassment allegedly triggered the horrifying murder as part of a premeditated plan.
— Gopalganj Police (@GopalganjPolice) December 18, 2023
