New Delhi, May 18, 2026 — In an incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, a 23-year-old pregnant woman was allegedly murdered with extreme cruelty by her husband in Bhitthikala village. The case, described by local authorities as “unusually barbaric,” involves the use of a sharp industrial tool, a hacksaw blade, used as a weapon of torture.
The accused, identified as Pradeep Agariya, was apprehended by the Manipur police on Sunday, May 17, 2026, after a brief period on the run. According to the police, Agariya has confessed to the crime during preliminary interrogation.
The Timeline of the Incident
The tragedy unfolded on the night of May 14, 2026, inside the couple’s modest home. Neighbors reported hearing a commotion, but given Agariya’s history of alcohol-induced aggression, many did not realize the severity of the situation until it was too late.
- The Assault: Under the influence of alcohol, Agariya began a physical altercation with his wife, Heerabai. The assault escalated into extreme violence while their four-year-old daughter was present in the house.
- The Act of Brutality: In a fit of rage, Agariya thrashed his wife before inserting a sharp hacksaw blade into her private part, causing massive internal trauma and bleeding.
- The Attempted Cover-up: After Heerabai lost consciousness, Agariya reportedly tied her to his motorcycle and transported her to the Ambikapur Medical College Hospital. Upon arrival, he attempted to mislead medical staff by claiming his wife had been severely injured in a road accident.
Medical Findings and Post-Mortem Report
Doctors at the medical college declared Heerabai “brought dead” upon arrival. Noticing that her injuries were inconsistent with a traffic accident, the medical staff alerted the police. Sensing trouble, Agariya fled the hospital premises immediately.
The post-mortem report, conducted the following morning, revealed the true extent of the horror:
- Pregnancy: Heerabai was three months pregnant at the time of her death.
- Physical Injuries: The autopsy recorded approximately 17 serious external injuries on her body, indicating a prolonged struggle and a brutal beating.
- The Murder Weapon: Forensic surgeons recovered a 10-inch-long iron object (identified as a hacksaw blade/file) from the victim’s body.
Police Action and Investigation
The Manipur police launched a manhunt for Agariya shortly after the hospital alert. He was eventually located and arrested in Ambikapur on Sunday.
Police Statement: A senior police official confirmed that the couple had been married for about five years. “The investigation reveals a pattern of domestic abuse fueled by the accused’s addiction to alcohol. On the night of the 14th, this reached a breaking point. We have booked him under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for murder and evidence tampering.”
The 10-inch blade has been sent for further forensic examination to match the DNA and confirm it as the primary cause of death through internal hemorrhaging.
A Community in Mourning
Bhitthikala village remains in a state of shock. Relatives of Heerabai have expressed deep grief and are calling for the strictest possible punishment. “We knew he was a difficult man when he drank, but we never imagined he could be a monster,” a relative told local media.
The couple’s four-year-old daughter is currently in the care of maternal relatives. Social workers and child welfare advocates have emphasized the need for psychological counseling for the child, who may have witnessed portions of the traumatic event.
Reflecting on Domestic Violence
This case has reignited a national conversation regarding the intersection of substance abuse and domestic violence. Activists point out that while alcohol is often a trigger, the underlying issue remains a lack of protection for women in vulnerable domestic settings.
Key Statistics & Resources:
- Domestic violence remains one of the most under-reported crimes in rural areas.
- Authorities urge neighbors and witnesses to report signs of domestic abuse early to prevent such escalations.
- National Domestic Violence Helpline (India): 181 or 1091.
As the legal proceedings against Pradeep Agariya begin, the community and the victim’s family wait for justice in a case that has redefined the boundaries of domestic horror.