Minor Girl Killed Over ‘Social Shame’ in Ranchi; Body Taken to Gaya for Secret Cremation

Ranchi: In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves across Jharkhand, police have uncovered the murder of a minor girl, allegedly killed by a man and his son over what they termed “social stigma”. In a bid to cover up the crime, the duo reportedly transported her body to Gaya in Bihar and cremated it secretly.

The incident surfaced during the investigation into the girl’s sudden disappearance from the Ratu area. What initially appeared to be a missing person case soon unfolded into a chilling murder carried out inside a home.

According to police, the main accused, Subodh Pathak, a resident of Jhakhra Tand in Ratu, had brought the girl from an underprivileged family nearly eight years ago and raised her as his own. However, her sudden disappearance a few days ago raised suspicion. When neighbours questioned the family, their vague responses triggered concern in the locality.

The situation intensified on the night of April 2, when villagers gathered outside the house, suspecting something was amiss. Acting on this, police launched a probe and searched the residence with a forensic team, though initial checks did not reveal any clear evidence.

An FIR was registered on April 3, and a special investigation team was formed under the Ranchi SSP’s direction. Using technical surveillance and other leads, police detained Subodh Pathak and his son Rahul Pathak for questioning.

During interrogation, both confessed to the crime. They admitted that the girl was murdered at home and her body was later taken to Gaya in a hired ambulance, where it was cremated to destroy evidence.

Police said the accused cited “lok-laj” — fear of social disgrace — as the motive. Investigators revealed that the girl had come into contact with Rahul’s brother-in-law through Instagram, and the relationship had grown close, which allegedly angered the family and led to the crime.

The ambulance used in transporting the body has been seized. Its driver, Pintu Kumar Singh, told police that Subodh Pathak claimed his “13-year-old daughter” had died and hired the vehicle for her last rites in Gaya.

Authorities have also recovered two mobile phones from the accused, which are being examined for further clues.

Police officials involved in cracking the case said both accused have been arrested and sent to judicial custody, while further investigation is ongoing to piece together the complete sequence of events.

With inputs from IANS