Death of BDO’s wife: Cops hunt for missing devices

Patna: Police have intensified efforts to recover two cellphones, a tablet and a laptop belonging to Amrita Kumari, wife of Jale BDO Manoj Kumar, believing the devices could contain crucial evidence in her death case.Woman sub-inspector Annu Kumari was released on a personal recognisance (PR) bond after questioning, while Manoj was remanded in judicial custody on Wednesday.Amrita, 29, was admitted to a private hospital in Muzaffarpur late on July 4. As her condition worsened, family members shifted her to another hospital, but she died on the way. On July 5, her brother Rajkumar lodged an FIR accusing Manoj of murdering her over his alleged affair with Annu.Annu, posted in Begusarai district, was arrested from her native village in Sitamarhi district on July 8, while Manoj was arrested a day earlier near the Muzaffarpur-Darbhanga border.According to the FIR, Amrita married Manoj on Dec 9, 2022. Her family alleged Manoj and his relatives demanded Rs 10 lakh as dowry and subjected her to repeated harassment. They also alleged she was killed after objecting to Manoj’s alleged affair.

Police said Manoj and Annu were questioned together and initially denied the allegations. However, after investigators confronted them with mobile tower locations, chat records and photographs, they admitted to having an affair. Police also alleged Annu had tried to delete digital evidence from her phone before questioning. Both phones have been sent for forensic examination.Muzaffarpur City SP Mohibullah Ansari said, “Viral CCTV footage clearly shows all named accused assaulting and harassing Amrita. Raids are underway at possible hideouts to arrest the absconding family members.”