Tamluk murder: Victim’s sibling, sisters-in-law arrested

Police detained the elder sister and two sisters-in-law of Parbati Sardar, whose decapitated body was recovered from a betel leaf garden in West Midnapore’s Tamluk few weeks ago.

The accused were identified as Purnima Sardar, the elder sister, and Tuktuki Sardar and Priti Sardar, the sisters-in-law.

Investigators found many links in the case, proving the involvement of the three women. The prime accused Ramapada Manna – who had been arrested earlier – spilled the beans and revealed that the three were involved in Parbati’s murder.

It may be recalled that the prime accused had been arrested from Baguiati’s Jangra on Tuesday. A police team captured Manna, who was working in a salon shop, and brought him to Tamluk. He was then presented before a Tamluk court and sent to jail.

When Manna was taken to jail, some women inmates attacked him and beat him up with brooms and batons. Security personnel in the jail managed to rescue him though.

The case came to light when the headless body of a woman was recovered from a betel leaf garden in West Midnapore about two weeks ago. Villagers from the area said the girl had been murdered somewhere else, and then dumped at the garden in Harashankar Garkilla village, situated 10 km away from Tamluk.

Investigators identified the victim as Parbatia Sardar, who was reportedly a strong believer of witchcraft and black magic. She had been murdered by Manna, who had conspired with Purnima, Tuktuki and Priti.

According to police sources, Chandicharan Manna, the owner of the garden, was the first to notice the Parbati headless body. He immediately informed other locals, who in turn contacted the local police.

Parbati’s body was lying naked, with turmeric powder spread around her.

A bunch of incense sticks and a bowl with a red cloth dipped in vermillion had been placed on her torso. Police suspect that it could be a case of human sacrifice.

It may also be recalled that an 18-month-old girl was killed by her grandmother and aunt a year back in New Town, which was found to be a case of human sacrifice.