Daijiworld Media Network - Gangarampur

Gangarampur (West Bengal), Nov 4: In a shocking incident, a 47-year-old man allegedly murdered his wife, severed her head and walked into a neighbourhood temple carrying it in one hand and a sharp agricultural weapon in the other in Gangarampur town of Dakshin Dinajpur district on Wednesday.

The accused, identified as Rintu Ghosh, was reportedly found sitting inside the temple with the severed head of his wife, Sima Sarkar (42). A neighbour who entered the temple to check on him was horrified to discover the gruesome scene and immediately raised an alarm.

The commotion brought several residents out of their homes. Ghosh subsequently emerged from the temple carrying his wife's severed head and a katari, a heavy agricultural knife.

Following information from residents, police rushed to the spot, cordoned off the area and took the accused into custody. The victim's head was recovered from the temple, while her headless body was found at the couple's residence.

According to reports, Ghosh shouted, "I have turned psycho," while police were taking him away.

Dakshin Dinajpur Superintendent of Police Abhishek Gupta confirmed the arrest and described the incident as horrifying and unprecedented. He said preliminary investigations suggested that Ghosh had killed his wife at their residence following a marital dispute.

The couple have two children, aged five and around 12. Preliminary information indicated that both children were at home when the alleged murder took place.

Police said there was no evidence to suggest that the accused was under the influence of alcohol. A sharp weapon commonly used for agricultural purposes was allegedly used in the crime. Forensic evidence is being collected, and the police are preparing to file a chargesheet.

The incident has left local residents and relatives of the family shocked. According to people familiar with the family, Ghosh had previously worked as a government bus conductor but was currently unemployed and spent most of his time at home. However, they were uncertain whether he had resigned or lost his job.

A relative, Rajesh Pramanik, said Ghosh had recently been behaving unusually. He reportedly adopted a strict vegetarian diet and began behaving in a manner the family described as resembling a tantrik.

Neighbours said the couple had been experiencing marital problems for some time. However, nobody had anticipated that their domestic differences would culminate in such a brutal crime.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder, including the couple's relationship and the accused's recent behaviour.