Tensions ran high in Darbhanga on Wednesday evening after a disturbing discovery shocked the city. The mutilated body of a gold merchant was found in pieces along the Darbhanga–Muzaffarpur four-lane highway near Ranipur, falling under the jurisdiction of Sadar police station. This gruesome incident triggered a wave of anger among local residents, who accused the police of mishandling the case and attempting to cover it up as a road accident. The highway was blocked for nearly five hours by the agitated crowd, demanding justice and a thorough investigation.
The Victim: Manish Kumar Gupta
The deceased was identified as Manish Kumar Gupta, a well-known gold merchant and the son of Vasudev Prasad Gupta. Manish resided in Ganesh Mandir Chowk in Hasan Chak, which is part of the Nagar police station area. He ran a jewelry shop at Ganga Market near Darbhanga Tower. The discovery of his dismembered body left the community in shock, with many struggling to comprehend the horror of the situation.
Family’s Claims of Foul Play
According to Manish’s family members, he had returned home around 3 p.m. on Wednesday to have prasad (holy offering) after his daily work. Shortly after, he received a phone call, left the house abruptly, and did not take his mobile phone with him. The family was left unaware of his whereabouts until just an hour later when they received the tragic news that his body had been found in a horrifying condition on the highway.
Relatives immediately expressed their suspicions, alleging that Manish had been shot dead. They claimed that his body was deliberately placed on the road to make it appear like a hit-and-run accident. They pointed out several unusual details at the scene that supported their theory. For instance, there was no sign of blood at the site, and his gold chain along with four or five rings were missing. This raised further concerns, especially since the family maintained that Manish would never have traveled on foot and would not have left his mobile phone behind if he had been planning to go anywhere.
A family member was quoted saying, “Manish never traveled on foot. How could he have reached six kilometers away without his phone? This is clearly a murder, not an accident.” These strong accusations fueled the family’s suspicion that there was more to the incident than a mere road accident.
Public Outrage and Highway Blockade
As news of the discovery spread throughout the city, the local community was filled with outrage. A large crowd of residents gathered at the site of the discovery, and when police officials initially suggested that the death was the result of an e-rickshaw accident, the situation escalated quickly. The crowd grew agitated and began blocking the highway in protest, voicing their anger at what they believed was an attempt to cover up the case. The protesters accused the police of not conducting a proper investigation and instead labeling it as a simple road accident.
The blockade caused severe traffic congestion on both sides of the four-lane highway, as vehicles were unable to pass for several hours. The highway, which is a crucial link between Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur, was completely obstructed, causing significant disruptions in the area.
Police Response and Investigation
In response to the growing unrest, senior district officials intervened to address the situation. Sadar Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Vikas Kumar and Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Rajiv Kumar arrived at the scene with additional law enforcement personnel. After speaking with the protesters and addressing their concerns, the officials assured the locals that the death would be treated as a murder and that a thorough investigation would be conducted. These assurances helped calm the situation, and the protesters eventually cleared the road, allowing traffic to resume gradually.
Meanwhile, the Sadar police station in charge, Manoj Kumar, confirmed that the body had been sent for a post-mortem examination. He stated, “The investigation is underway, and action will be taken based on the autopsy report and evidence.” The police have assured the public that they will leave no stone unturned in the investigation and will take appropriate actions based on the findings.
The Aftermath: Public Demands for Justice
This incident has left the people of Darbhanga shaken and has sparked widespread public anger. Residents are demanding that justice be served swiftly and that the perpetrators of this heinous crime be brought to justice. The fact that the police initially handled the case poorly and attempted to downplay the seriousness of the situation only added fuel to the fire.
The city, known for its vibrant culture and peaceful atmosphere, has now become the center of intense scrutiny. The brutal murder of a well-known local businessman has sent shockwaves through the community, and people are anxiously waiting for justice to prevail. The family of Manish Kumar Gupta, along with the local residents, is hopeful that the ongoing investigation will bring clarity to the situation and expose the truth behind this tragic event.
Investigation Continues: What Happens Next?
The case remains under investigation, with the authorities working diligently to uncover the facts. The police are collecting evidence from the crime scene, including the body, which has been sent for a post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death. It is hoped that the results of the autopsy will provide more clarity and confirm whether the family’s suspicions of foul play are accurate.
The involvement of senior officials like the SDO and SDPO in the investigation has calmed some nerves, but many residents are still wary about the outcome. The fear of a possible cover-up still lingers, and there is a widespread desire for a transparent and unbiased inquiry into the murder.
The Community’s Response to the Murder
In the aftermath of this horrific event, the people of Darbhanga have shown solidarity with the grieving family and have demanded that the authorities take immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice. The public protests, while disruptive, reflect the strong emotions and the sense of injustice felt by the local community. The anger of the people is rooted in the belief that this is not just a case of an unfortunate accident, but a targeted attack that needs to be thoroughly investigated.
As the investigation unfolds, there is a growing sense of urgency within the community. The demand for justice has become a rallying cry, and many residents are continuing to press for accountability from both the police and the local government. In the coming days, it is expected that more information will come to light, and the truth behind the brutal murder of Manish Kumar Gupta will finally be revealed.
The murder of Manish Kumar Gupta has left Darbhanga in a state of shock and disbelief. What was initially thought to be a tragic road accident has now escalated into a case of alleged murder, with the family and the community demanding a fair investigation and justice for the deceased.
As the investigation continues, the city remains on edge, with residents eagerly awaiting answers. The tensions that flared up on Wednesday evening and the subsequent protests are a stark reminder of how deeply this case has affected the people of Darbhanga. This tragic incident has sparked a broader conversation about justice, police accountability, and the need for thorough investigations in the face of such heinous crimes.
With the support of the local community and the determination of the authorities to uncover the truth, there is hope that the perpetrators will soon be brought to justice, and the family of Manish Kumar Gupta will receive the closure they desperately need. For now, the people of Darbhanga continue to demand justice, and the investigation remains the focal point of public attention.
