Justice took a sinister turn in Godda, Jharkhand, where a serving judicial magistrate emerged as the prime suspect in a brazen attempt on his wife’s life. The fast-tracked investigation by local police has peeled back layers of deception in what began as a routine court return journey.
Vandana Kumari fell prey to gunfire on January 17 beside Gandhi Gram Flyover, Pathargama police station limits. Fresh from deposing at Godda Court, she was en route home when motorbike attackers struck, lodging two bullets in her body. From initial aid at Pathargama CHC to escalation to Godda and Bhagalpur hospitals, her fight for life captivated the region.
Unraveling the motive, SP Mukesh Kumar linked it to a toxic marriage. Wed in 2019 to Santosh Kumar Sah of Kahalgaon, the union crumbled under dowry pressure—Rs 15 lakh demanded post his magistrate posting in Samastipur, Bihar. Her 2020 FIR for torment led to his counter-divorce suit, culminating in murder plot.
Santosh and brother Subodh shelled out Rs 2 lakh for the hit. Arrests include Shyam, Subodh, and Mohd Arif; three others hunted. Seized: crime bikes, gear, weapon, casings from Arif’s hideout. Six involved—four shooters on dual bikes, Subodh separate. Santosh absent but summoned via technical trails.
This episode shatters illusions of judicial sanctity, blending dowry woes with cold-blooded intent. As Vandana recovers, authorities vow comprehensive justice, leveraging every digital footprint to dismantle the network and prevent future judicial shadows from tarnishing the bench.