Shocking incident in Bihar’s Sheohar district as a father is found dead after a village panchayat reportedly imposed a Rs. 7 lakh penalty over his son's alleged love affairSheohar: A 45-year-old man was found hanging from a tree in his orchard under mysterious circumstances. The deceased has been identified as Prabhu Rai, a resident of Bariyarpur village under Tariyani police station limits.
According to initial reports, the incident is allegedly linked to a village panchayat decision imposing a Rs. 7 lakh fine after Prabhu Rai’s son reportedly eloped with a young woman from the same village.
Police officials said they are investigating both murder and suicide angles, while the family has alleged foul play in the case.
Body Found Hanging in Orchard
The body of Prabhu Rai was discovered hanging from a tree in a litchi orchard located in his garden on Thursday morning, triggering panic and tension in the village.
After receiving information, police led by Sushil Kumar rushed to the spot, conducted a preliminary inspection and sent the body for post-mortem examination.
“Police are investigating all aspects of the case. Both murder and suicide angles are being examined,” said SDPO Sushil Kumar during the preliminary inquiry.
Son’s Elopement Led to Panchayat Penalty
According to local sources, the deceased’s son, Dheeraj Kumar, allegedly eloped to Mumbai with a girl from the village on the occasion of Mahashivratri.
The couple was reportedly brought back to the village by family members on February 22. Following the incident, a village panchayat meeting was convened to settle the dispute.
During the meeting, the panchayat allegedly ordered Prabhu Rai to pay Rs. 7 lakh as compensation to the girl’s family, which reportedly caused severe distress within the household.
Sources say the financial burden became extremely difficult for the family, which belongs to a modest economic background.
Family Alleges Murder
The deceased’s son Nikesh Kumar, alleged that his father was murdered and then hanged to make it appear as a suicide.
“My father was killed and then hanged in a litchi orchard because we could not pay the ₹7 lakh fine imposed by the panchayat,” Nikesh Kumar alleged.
He further claimed that the killing was linked to the dispute surrounding the love affair and the imposed financial penalty.
Police Continue Investigation
The death has left the family in deep shock, while discussions and speculation continue across the village and nearby areas.
Officials from the Bihar Police stated that all possible angles are being examined, and further action will depend on the post-mortem report and evidence gathered during the investigation.
Authorities have assured that the truth behind the tragic death will be uncovered soon.
