Ayodhya double murder horror: Woman and son lynched over land dispute; 7 detained

LUCKNOW: A 55-year-old woman and her 22-year-old son were beaten to death late on Thursday night in Ayodhya’s Khandaasa region, allegedly over a simmering land dispute. The incident occurred in Mahua village around 10.30pm, when the young man was returning home from a condolence ceremony. According to police, the victims — Premnath and his mother Kunta Devi — were attacked by a group of men from their own village, who used lathis and iron rods in the assault. Two other family members, including an 18-year-old and a 28-year-old woman, were also severely injured. Eyewitnesses and police say that the attackers showed no mercy, even as Kunta Devi pleaded with folded hands and shielded her son with her body. She was declared dead at a local health facility, while Premnath succumbed to injuries en route to a hospital in Lucknow.

Violence triggered by property row

Officials have linked the violence to a land dispute that had been simmering for nearly a year. Premnath had bought a 10-biswa plot in 2023 from one Guddu Singh. However, his neighbour Sonu — now the main accused — contested the sale, alleging that the land originally belonged to his maternal grandfather and was still their family’s property.

Sonu had filed a formal complaint with revenue authorities, resulting in the suspension of land mutation. The matter has since been under litigation in the Nayab Tehsildar’s court in Amaniganj. Tensions between the two families reportedly escalated about a fortnight ago during a verbal altercation. Police had intervened at the time, placing both parties under preventive measures. However, a fresh argument broke out earlier on Thursday evening during a terahvin (13th-day death ritual) event in nearby Andootara village, where both sides were present. Though onlookers managed to defuse the situation at the function, the accused are said to have later ambushed Premnath as he approached his house.

Attack leaves four members injured

Hearing Premnath’s cries for help, his mother Kunta Devi ran out of the house and tried to intervene. Witnesses say she lay on top of her son in an attempt to protect him. The assailants continued to strike them both until they stopped moving. Premnath’s younger brother Dinanath, 18, and his sister-in-law Anita, 28, also rushed out but were beaten by the attackers.

All four victims were taken to the local Community Health Centre and later referred to a district hospital. Doctors pronounced Kunta Devi dead on arrival. Premnath, who sustained critical head and internal injuries, was transferred first to Darshan Nagar Medical College and then to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Lucknow. He died while being transported.

Seven detained, security tightened

A case has been registered against nine individuals based on a complaint filed by Anita, the sister-in-law.

Among those named are Sonu and Hriday Ram. Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural), Balwant Chaudhary, said that seven of the accused have been taken into custody and are being interrogated. Raids are underway to locate the remaining two. Post-mortem examinations were conducted in Ayodhya and Lucknow. In light of the killings, a large contingent of police has been deployed to Mahua village. Premnath’s home has been placed under security watch, and officials have vowed strict action against the perpetrators. The village remains tense, with most residents staying indoors. A sense of shock and fear hangs heavy in the air. Police say they are taking no chances, and further measures will be taken to prevent any flare-up in violence.

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