A quiet village in Shahjahanpur district was shaken by a horrifying crime when a 36-year-old man brutally murdered his four children before taking his own life. The tragic incident, which occurred on Wednesday night in Manpur Chachri village under the Roja police station area, has left the entire community in deep sorrow and disbelief.
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh Dwivedi, the accused, Rajiv Kumar, used a sharp-edged weapon to slit the throats of his three daughters — Smriti (12), Kirti (9) and Pragati (6) — along with his son, Rishabh (4). After carrying out the gruesome act, he moved to another room in his house and hanged himself. The police believe that the killings happened late at night when the children were asleep.
The incident came to light early Thursday morning when Rajiv’s father, who lived separately, became concerned after noticing that the house remained locked from the inside. Around 7 am, he climbed onto the terrace and entered through a side passage, only to be confronted with the horrifying scene. Shocked and devastated, he immediately alerted the police.
Initial investigations suggest that Rajiv had been struggling with mental health issues following a severe head injury sustained in an accident a year ago. He had been undergoing treatment, and his family members reported that he often displayed signs of aggression and mood swings. His deteriorating mental state might have contributed to the violent act, though a final conclusion will be drawn after further investigation.
Adding to the family’s troubles, Rajiv’s wife had reportedly left for her parental home on Wednesday. While the exact reason for her departure remains unclear, police are probing whether any domestic issues played a role in the tragedy.
During the crime scene investigation, the police recovered the sharp weapon Rajiv had used, along with a sharpener, indicating that he had deliberately honed the blade before attacking his children. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination to confirm the exact cause and time of death.
SP Dwivedi stated that forensic experts are analysing the crime scene, and statements from relatives and neighbors are being recorded to understand Rajiv’s state of mind in the days leading up to the incident.
The brutal killings have cast a pall of gloom over the village. Neighbors, relatives, and locals gathered outside the family’s house in shock, unable to comprehend how a father could commit such a heinous act against his own children. Many described Rajiv as a troubled man but never imagined he was capable of such extreme violence.
The police are continuing their investigation into the possible triggers behind the crime while also offering psychological support to the grieving family. Authorities have urged people to seek help in times of distress and not hesitate to reach out for medical and emotional support.
