Malda Murder: Man Arrested for Allegedly Killing Sister-in-Law With Axe

September 6, 2026

Kolkata: A man was arrested for allegedly killing his 27-year-old sister-in-law with an axe in West Bengal’s Malda district, police said on Sunday.

The incident took place in the Harishchandrapur area of Malda late on Saturday night. The deceased was identified as Amrita Oraon, a resident of the Ramnagar Baisa area.

Woman Attacked While Cooking

According to local sources, Amrita was cooking at home when her brother-in-law, Panchu Oraon, allegedly entered the house and attacked her with an axe. He then fled the spot.

At the time of the incident, Amrita’s husband, Nandalal Oraon, was reportedly away from home, while their two children were playing elsewhere in the house.

Hearing Amrita’s screams, family members rushed to the spot, following which neighbours also gathered. Amrita was found covered in blood and was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police Launch Probe Into Murder

After receiving information about the incident, Chanchal Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Somnath Saha, Harishchandrapur Police Station Inspector-in-Charge Sumit Kumar Ghosh and other police officials reached the spot.

Following a complaint from the family, police launched a search for Panchu Oraon. He was arrested shortly afterwards and taken to the police station.

Police Examine Family Dispute, Affair Angle

Police are investigating the motive behind the murder and are examining whether a family dispute or another reason led to the attack.

During the initial questioning of family members and neighbours, an alleged extramarital affair angle emerged. Police suspect that Amrita and Panchu may have had an alleged relationship and that Panchu attacked her after suspecting she had become involved with someone else.

However, investigators are also examining other possible motives. Police are expected to seek Panchu’s custody for further questioning after producing him before a court.

The murder has caused tension in the area, with police continuing their investigation.