In a tragic turn of events in Hajipur, a young man's bold step to marry across religious lines led to a horrifying outcome. Santosh Kumar, a 24-year-old who dared to elope with a Muslim girl, was found dead, his body ominously hanging from a tree. This grim discovery has shrouded his family in a deep veil of sorrow.

Only a week had passed since Santosh, defying societal norms, decided to marry the woman he loved. Their act of eloping, driven by love but marred by societal divides, ended in a chilling manner. In a desperate plea for justice, Santosh's family has pointed accusing fingers at ten members of his wife's family. They allege a sinister plot behind his death, claiming it was murder disguised as suicide.

The root of this tragic incident lies in the alleged discontent of the girl's family towards the marriage. Reports suggest that they were deeply upset over their daughter's decision to marry outside her religion. In what is claimed to be a harrowing betrayal, they supposedly lured her back home. What followed, as per the accusations, was the cold-blooded murder of her Hindu husband. Santosh's lifeless body was then hung from a tree in a garden, a sight that has since sent shockwaves through the Bahuar Panchayat area, under the jurisdiction of the Patepur police station.

The identity of the deceased adds a personal dimension to this tragedy. Santosh Kumar was not just a name; he was a son to Satyanarayan Chaudhary, a resident of Bahuar.

Santosh Kumar's story is not just one of untimely death but also of a love that transcended religious boundaries. He hailed from a village close to Malpur, where he found love in Mosarat Khatun, a 21-year-old Muslim girl. The daughter of Mohammad Shaukat Ali, Mosarat shared a bond with Santosh that blossomed over three years, a testament to their deep affection despite societal barriers.

Their love story, however, faced the challenges of distance. Santosh worked in a factory in Delhi, far from his village and Mosarat. This geographical separation meant their meetings were infrequent, adding a layer of longing and difficulty to their relationship.

Despite the distance, their commitment to each other remained unwavering. Three months ago, in a bold move driven by love, Mosarat Khatun took a significant step. She eloped to Delhi, where she and Santosh decided to cement their relationship. They got married following Hindu rituals in a Shiva temple, a union they even captured in a video. This was followed by a court marriage, solidifying their bond legally and spiritually.

The roots of their love story can be traced back to a simple yet profound interaction. Santosh used to visit Mosarat's house to milk cows. It was during these humble beginnings that their love flourished, growing stronger with each passing day.

Santosh Kumar's life in Delhi, away from his home in Vaishali, was marked by his work at a factory. It was in this city that Mosarat Khatun, his beloved, joined him on December 17th last year, a significant move in their shared journey.

Back in Vaishali, however, the narrative took a dramatic turn. Mohammad Saukat Ali, Khatun's father, lodged a formal complaint at the Patepur police station. He accused Santosh Kumar Chaudhary and his family of kidnapping his daughter. This FIR (First Information Report) set into motion a series of events that further complicated the couple's situation.

Following the registration of this case, the local police began to exert pressure on Santosh's family. This scrutiny and the growing tension led the couple to make a decisive move. Ten days prior to the tragic discovery of Santosh's body, they returned to their village, likely in hopes of resolving the situation.

Upon their return, the police conducted an interrogation of Santosh. In response, he did something critical: he brought Mosarat Khatun to his ancestral village, Bahuar. This was a bold step, demonstrating their commitment and unity in the face of adversity. Santosh didn't stop there; he also presented Mosarat at the police station, likely as a means to clarify the situation and prove that their relationship and her decision to be with him were consensual.

When Mosarat was presented before the police, her statement was formally recorded in court under section 164. This legal procedure was crucial as it provided Mosarat an opportunity to express her version of events and decisions in an official capacity. It was a moment that could have been pivotal in clarifying the nature of their relationship and the circumstances surrounding their marriage.

Satyanarayan Chaudhary Speaks Out: A Father's Perspective on the Tragedy

In the unfolding narrative of Santosh Kumar's tragic death, his father, Satyanarayan Chaudhary, provides a crucial perspective. His words paint a picture of a family caught in a maelstrom of accusations, sorrow, and a quest for justice.

Chaudhary recalls a pivotal moment in the police station at Patepur. "We presented the girl at the Patepur police station," he says, referring to the day they brought Mosarat Khatun to the authorities. He emphasizes a critical point: Mosarat's departure with Santosh on December 17, 2023, was voluntary. "My son did not kidnap her," Chaudhary states, countering the accusations levied against his son. He reinforces this by mentioning that Mosarat herself admitted to willingly accompanying Santosh. However, despite this admission, the police handed her over to her father, Mohammad Saukat Ali, a decision that Chaudhary implies might have had significant consequences.

When Santosh's family, amidst their frantic search, discovered his body hanging from a tree in a garden, the shock and horror of this finding quickly rippled through the community. This gruesome discovery was not just a personal tragedy but a catalyst for public outrage.

The narrative then takes a darker turn. Chaudhary recounts the events leading to the discovery of his son's body. "Saukat Ali had asked my son Santosh to come home on Sunday evening," he explains. This invitation, however, was the last time Santosh was seen alive. "Since then, he had been missing, and his body was found hanging from a tree on Monday."

Santosh Kumar with Mosarat Khatun

The pain and suspicion in Chaudhary's words are palpable as he voices his strong belief that Saukat Ali and his relatives were involved in Santosh's murder.

In response to his son's untimely death, Satyanarayan Chaudhary took legal action. He filed a complaint against ten individuals, which notably includes a sub-inspector and the head of the Bahuar Panchayat. This step highlights the depth of his conviction and his determination to seek justice for his son.

The people's anger over this incident was palpable and immediate. In Bahuar, where the body was found, residents' emotions boiled over into action. They blocked the main road, creating a major commotion. This wasn't just a spontaneous outburst; it was a community's way of demanding justice and attention to what they perceived as a grave injustice.

The crowd's anger was specifically directed toward certain individuals. They called for the arrest of the suspects believed to be involved in Santosh's death. Additionally, they demanded action against SI Hasan Sardar of the Patepur police station, indicating a distrust in the handling of the situation by the local authorities.

The situation, fraught with tension and emotion, eventually found a semblance of calm. This change was brought about by the intervention of senior officials. These officials met with the aggrieved and enraged community, not just to pacify them but to offer assurances. They promised stringent action against those accused in the case, a commitment that likely provided some solace to a community shaken by the violent loss of one of their own.