Damoh (Madhya Pradesh): A horrifying case of robbery and murder was reported from Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district in which a 47-year-old government school teacher was robbed and then burnt alive by unidentified attackers.
According to police, the incident took place under Hatta police station area on Thursday night. The victim has been identified as Rajesh Tripathi, a resident of Sunwaha village and a teacher at Government Primary School in Rusando.
Rajesh had gone to Hatta for personal work and was returning to his village on a motorcycle, carrying ₹4 lakh in cash. As he passed the toll booth on the Hatta-Magron Road and reached near a canal between Hart and Baroda villages, four unidentified men surrounded him.
Victim managed to call brother despite being burnt
The four men brutally beat him, stole the money, then poured petrol on him and set him on fire. Despite being severely burnt, Rajesh managed to call his brother Mukesh Tripathi and informed him about the incident before the call got disconnected.
The family rushed to the spot and found Rajesh in critical condition. He was first taken to Hatta Civil Hospital and then referred to Damoh District Hospital.
Unfortunately, he died on the way. Dr. Surendra Vikram Singh at the district hospital confirmed his death.
Police launches search
Police reached the spot immediately and began the investigation. Rajesh’s motorcycle and a bag were recovered from the crime scene. Kotwali TI Manish Kumar said the initial investigation suggests it was a case of robbery followed by murder. On the instructions of the Superintendent of Police, joint teams from Hatta and Damoh are searching for the suspects.
Rajesh’s brother Mukesh confirmed that Rajesh had attended a wedding in Hatta and was returning home when the incident took place. He also confirmed that Rajesh was carrying ₹4 lakh. Police have recorded statements and are investigating the case from all angles.
On Friday, Rajesh's body was handed over to his family after the post-mortem and his last rites were performed in his native village, Sunwaha. SDPO Pathariya Raghu Keshari stated that the police are making continuous efforts to find and arrest the perpetrators soon.
