‘Uncle killed mother, ‘Father’ raped me’:27 cases against duo as terrified neighbors flee Dindori

A 35-year-old woman was allegedly beaten to death by her live-in partner’s younger brother in the Shahpura area of Dindori district. Police said that while the woman was being murdered, her live-in partner allegedly raped her minor daughter. The incident was reported on the night of February 25. Acting on a tip-off, a police team reached the residence but found the doors locked from the inside. Officers eventually entered the house through the roof. Inside, they found the woman’s body near a bathroom wall and her daughter sitting nearby in a state of shock. According to the police, the minor girl was suffering from a high fever when she was rescued. She was immediately moved to a local hospital for treatment and remains under medical observation. “The body was handed over to the family on Friday following a post-mortem examination,” Shahpura Town Inspector (TI) Anurag Jamdar said. Preliminary investigations suggest the crime was committed by the two brothers, who have since fled the area. Local authorities have formed teams to track down the suspects, who remain at large. The police are currently recording statements from neighbors and relatives to establish the motive behind the murder. The victim’s daughter is receiving counseling as she remains severely traumatized by the incident. 27 cases against accused brothers The accused, Hariom Chaudhary (42) and Devendra alias ‘Chotu’ Chaudhary (38), have a long-standing history of violence in the Shahpura locality. Devendra alone faces 27 serious criminal charges, including robbery, rape, and violations under the Arms Act. His elder brother, Hariom, was previously incarcerated in connection with a 2018 murder case and has prior records of assault and criminal intimidation dating back to 2016. Local residents describe a climate of fear so pervasive that four families have reportedly abandoned their homes to escape the brothers’ harassment. “Getting drunk, extorting money, and grabbing land was their daily routine,” said Arun Agarwal, a local resident. “They have been living alone since their parents died 20 years ago, and no one dared to cross them.” The assault: ‘No mercy was shown’ The victim’s minor daughter, who referred to Hariom as ‘Papa’ and Devendra as ‘Chacha’ (uncle), provided a harrowing account of the events beginning February 23. According to her statement, the violence began around 7:30 PM when Devendra entered the house and accused her mother of serving alcohol. The altercation turned physical as Devendra allegedly assaulted the woman with floor tiles and shoes, eventually slamming her head against an iron rod. Despite the child’s pleas, the assault continued until the woman lost consciousness. Devendra then fled the scene. Neglect and secondary trauma The child informed police that her mother remained in a critical, semi-conscious state through the night. When Hariom returned home drunk at 3:00 AM on February 24, he reportedly applied basic bandages but did not seek medical help. On the evening of February 24, Hariom moved the woman to the bathroom, propping her against a wall. He reportedly prohibited the daughter from approaching her mother and went to sleep, despite the woman showing no signs of life. Sexual assault and escape On the morning of February 25, the trauma escalated. The minor alleged that Hariom sexually assaulted her after covering her mouth to stifle her cries. Following the act, he locked the house from the inside and escaped by jumping from the roof. The child remained alone in the house with her mother’s body, too terrified to eat or seek help, until police breached the premises later that night. Victim’s background: A ytear of silence The deceased woman’s family, who arrived from Shahpura following the police notification, revealed that she had lost her husband to electrocution five years ago. The woman had been living in Umaria district before moving in with Hariom approximately four months ago after meeting him during labor work in Jabalpur. She had two daughters from her first marriage; one lived with the maternal family, while the survivor had moved in with her mother just a month prior to the incident. Police investigation and manhunt Shahpura Police are currently tracking the mobile locations of both brothers. “Multiple teams have been deployed to conduct raids at suspected hideouts,” said Station In-charge Anurag Jamdar.