Double tragedy in Palamu: Man kills cousin, ends life hours later

Palamu — A disturbing incident in Palamu has left a family shattered after a young man allegedly killed his cousin sister before dying by suicide within hours.

The incident occurred in the Sua Kaudiya area under Sadar Police Station limits. According to initial reports, the accused, Bittu Kumar Singh, had a heated argument late Sunday night with his cousin Khushboo Kumari, who had been staying at her maternal uncle’s home for her studies.

Investigators believe the dispute may have been linked to a suspected relationship issue. In a sudden outburst, Bittu allegedly attacked Khushboo multiple times with an axe, killing her on the spot.

He then fled the scene and reportedly told family members that he would take his own life. On Monday morning, his body was found on a nearby railway track, confirming that he had died by suicide.

Police reached the spot after being alerted by locals and recovered the weapon used in the crime. The back-to-back deaths have left relatives in deep shock.

Station in-charge Lalji said preliminary findings indicate a personal dispute as the trigger. “Based on statements from family members and initial investigation, it appears the man killed his cousin and later died by suicide, possibly out of guilt or fear,” he said.

Both bodies have been sent to Medinirai Medical College Hospital for post-mortem. Police are continuing their probe, including examining call records and other evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events.

With inputs from IANS